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Press release:

Six members of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra will be presenting a special program on Sept. 15 from 7  to 8 p.m. at the Oakfield Government and Community Center.

Music lovers are invited to come to listen to and learn from these talented musicians as they perform some selected pieces and showcase each of their instruments. Each of the six musicians from the orchestra will explain how their specific instrument works and how it is unique. The audience will experience the six instruments played alone and played together as part of a six-piece ensemble.

“This program is a great way for children and adults to learn about the special qualities of the musical instruments that will be showcased,” says Kim Gibson, Library Director at the Haxton Memorial Library. “Everyone will enjoy this presentation.”

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is a regional orchestra that presents concerts for the enrichment of our community through high-quality performances, educational opportunities, guest artists, and partnerships. It is one of the oldest civic orchestras in New York state.

The special presentation takes place at 7 p.m. at the Oakfield Government and Community Center, 3219 Drake Street in Oakfield.

This family-friendly project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regent Program, a 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 Go Art!         

The Haxton Memorial Library located at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield provides residents with a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department has been working closely with technology partner First Due to

release Community Connect, an application focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster. Community Connect is a secure, easy-to-use platform that allows residents to share critical information about their household in order to aid first responders and emergency service personnel in responding more efficiently and effectively; ultimately resulting in better incident outcomes.  In addition to the residential portal, Community Connect also helps business owners and managers keep people at their commercial properties safe by giving First Responders access to critical documents such as evacuation procedures, occupant rosters, hazardous material lists and more. Additionally, designated contacts at properties that joined the program will receive immediate alerts via text message when First Responders are dispatched to the building address.   

Community Connect is completely voluntary and residents are individually able to decide which information they are comfortable sharing. Residents simply create a profile and enter critical property and occupant information which is then made available to public safety agencies at the time of dispatch. Data provided by residents within Community Connect is 100% secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving the resident during emergency situations.

To learn more about the program and to create your profile, please visit City of Batavia Community Connect.

Press Release

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers announces that their Fall 2022 edition of the GREAT BATAVIA TRAIN SHOW will be held at the Richard C. Call Arena in Batavia, NY. The large venue on the campus of Genesee Community College offers unmatched convenience for attendees and vendors. The show is scheduled for Sunday, October 16, 2022.

Details follow:
• Show Name: The Great Batavia Train Show
• Date: Sunday, October 16, 2022
• Location: Richard C. Call Arena at Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
• Admission: $6 adults, $3 under 18, free for children under 13.
• Hours: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Features: Model train vendors, free parking, snack bar

Additional Train Show Information:
For 50 years the Great Batavia Train Show has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. Our move to the Richard C. Call arena has allowed us to grow the event in a state-of-the-art facility. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Items offered include all scales of model trains, historic railroad items, books, DVD’s and toys. Modeling demonstrations, and a limited number of portable layouts, will be part of the fun. Free parking.

About the organizing group:
The Genesee Society of Model Engineers Inc. was founded in Batavia NY, and actively promotes the hobby of model railroading in the Western New York area. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2019. This not-for-profit organization is headquartered at 50 Main St. in Oakfield, NY. In our facility above the M&T Bank, our membership maintains four operating model train displays. An open house is offered free to the public each December, and visitors are welcome on Tuesday evenings.

There are three candidates for the 2022 Elba Onion Queen.  The winner will be announced on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. in the Elba Village Park.

Press release:

Emily Rowe: 
My name is Emily Rowe. I am an incoming senior at Elba Central School. I have lived with my mom and dad, Scott and Jennifer Rowe, and my younger brother Jason in Elba for all of my life.

I am involved in Girls Soccer, Basketball Cheerleading, and "Boys" Tennis in the spring season. I have had an active role in Student Council, Yearbook Club, Class of 2023 activities, Future Teachers, Student Athletic Association, Multicultural Club, and National Honor Society. I attended the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference (HOBY) in the New York West chapter in 2021 at a wonderful weekend of virtual seminars in 2021.

I am a high honor student. I have been a dancer at Center Stage Dance Company for 15 years. I plan to attend NTID at RIT in the fall of 2023 for American Sign Language-English Interpretation.

I look forward to working with the children at church, taking tennis lessons, and going for long bike rides with my mom. I love Elba and am so grateful to get to be a role model for the younger students.

I'm proud of the academic and athletic programs that Elba has to offer and all of the support that the community gives to every member of it.

Amelia Brewer:
My name is Amelia Brewer and I am the daughter of Richard and Joy Brewer. I am 17 years old and will be a Senior this year at Elba Central School. My family has been in Elba for many generations. I live on my family's dairy farm Post Dairy Farms, LLC here in Elba.

I participate in many activities in and out of school. Some of them include Student Council, National, Honor Society, Tennis, FFA, Genesee County 4-H, New York Jr. Holstein Association.

Onion Queen is a great tradition that the town of Elba has kept running and it is an important tradition to keep running. There are many reasons why I am choosing to run for Onion Queen. One reason is I am passionate about AG-vocating and being the Onion allows me to talk about the great farmers in our community. It is also the Onions Queens job to tell everyone about our town and how great it is and why it is a place they should visit. Something that I hope to get from this experience is more connections in our town and gain more knowledge and experience from people within our community.

Isabella Mateos: 
I am Isabella Mateos, although most of my friends and family call me Bella. I am 17 years old and will be a senior at Elba Jr/Sr High school this upcoming fall. I am the daughter of Leandro and Emma Mateos. My father works at Torrey Farms and my mother is a bilingual preschool teacher at Agri-Business Child Development. I have an older brother named Lean, who graduated from Elba Central School and received his bachelor's at the University of Rochester and his master's at SMU Guildhall. He now works at Gearbox Software in Dallas, Texas.

I come from a very supportive family-oriented home where my family encourages me in my dance, bilingualism, and most importantly academics. Both my parents and my brother always encourage me to put my very best effort into everything that I do.

This past school year I was involved in clubs such as Envirothon, Masterminds, Scholastic Bowl, Student Athletic Association, Student Council, Senior National Honor Society, and was also President of the Multicultural Club. In addition to clubs, I was on the Winter Varsity Basketball Cheerleading game team and competition team and ran the Instagram social media account for the Class of 2023. Outside of school, I have danced for ten years and nine of those years have been competitive. I currently dance at Fusion Dance Center and am also on the Senior Dance Competition team there. I am an alumna and a dedicated volunteer at Agri-Business Child Development.

My hobbies and interests include baking, babysitting, gardening, reading, yoga, traveling, community service, and learning about new cultures and languages  

After graduating high school, I plan on attending a University on the pre-med track in hopes of becoming a pediatric oncologist. 

Press release:

The Run for the Acorns is from Friday, Sept. 23, with the virtual run going to Oct. 1. It includes the following events: 10k Run (In person), 5k Run/Walk (In person), Virtual 10k Run, and Virtual 5k Run/Walk.

Race in person or use the virtual option. Both courses are marked with signs and direction arrows, and the app tracks the courses using GPS points.   Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically.  To join the virtual race run the 5K or 10K course at the park between 8 a.m. Sept.  23, and 5 p.m. Oct. 1, using the RaceJoy tracking app.  Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically. 

The courses are on single and double-track trails through the forest, along a creek, and up and down rolling hills in the Genesee County Park & Forest, with an estimated 100 feet of climb in the 10K loop. Trails are very wide and easy to negotiate (rocks and roots are clearly marked for safety). The courses start on asphalt and then lead into the woods for a truly beautiful run through the countryside. Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek, and over rolling hills.

Grab a friend for some great exercise and fun in the park!! Meet at Pavilion B for the race start.  This 5k/10k trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.  Awards will be given to the top overall male and female running finishers in each race.   Awards will also be given to the top male and female running finishers in each age group.  Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants!

DETAILS

Starting Times for October 2nd: Check-in 8:00 a.m. 10K Run 9:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk 9:15 a.m.

Virtual Run:  You must run the 5K or 10K course at the Genesee County Park & Forest between 8 a.m. Sep. 23, 2022, and 5 p.m. Oct. 1, 2022, using the mobile RaceJoy tracking app which you can download when you register.

10K Run: You must finish the first 5K of the race in 50 minutes or less or you will be disqualified.

Shirts: Must register by September 10, 2022, to receive a long-sleeved tech race shirt. No guarantee of a shirt if you register after this date.

Awards: Medals to the overall top two male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K run, to the winning team in the 10K Team Relay event, and to our top male and female finishers in each age group (14 & under for the 5K run, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & over) – you must be present to receive your medal. No awards to virtual race participants.

Fees: October 2, 2022: $30 in advance (must be received by 5 p.m.  Sept. 25, 2022); $35 late and race day registration.

Virtual Race: $10 in advance for virtual race participation plus a $20 option to purchase a race shirt (order for shirt must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 10, 2022). 

Packet Pickup: Friday Sept. 30, 2022 4:30 – 6:00 pm at DeWitt Recreation Area 115 Cedar St., Batavia, at Pavilion 1 or on race day.

Register online:  runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastBethany/RuntheAcorns

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Press release:

The GCEDC board approved a final resolution for a proposed $17.6 million project by NEXgistics to construct a 140,000 sq. ft. warehouse distribution center and national headquarters in Pembroke at its board meeting on Thursday, September 1, 2022.

NEXgistics is a fast-growing third-party logistics provider specializing in consumer electronics, sporting and outdoor goods, e-bikes and related products with operations in New York and Nevada.

The facility will be located on 30 acres of land on Vision Parkway in the town of Pembroke. NEXgistics currently leases space at two locations in western New York and will build a centrally located facility that enables the company to retain 21 full-time positions and create three new jobs.

“Thanks to our local and state officials, Genesee County is becoming a business ecosystem that companies across the country want to be a part of,” said Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center president and CEO. “Along with our friendly business environment, companies have access to talent developing at our high schools and career-focused Genesee Valley BOCES, and institutions such as the Monroe Community College FWD Center, Northland Workforce Training Center, Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association, and other partners.”

NEXgistics has requested sales tax exemptions estimated at $812,000, a property tax abatement of approximately $1,116,360, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $154,650.  For every $1 of public benefit the company is investing $7 into the local economy.

File Photo of last year's Walk to End Alzheimer's by Howard Owens. Walk organizers opted to have a hybrid version of the walk to include both virtual and in-person participants after the pandemic prompted a virtual-only event in 2020.

Press Release

The Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, is inviting Genesee and Wyoming County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on October 1 at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., and the actual Walk commences at 11:15 a.m.

Lynn Westcott, senior director of development at the WNY Chapter, says: “The Genesee/Wyoming Counties Walk to End Alzheimer's is our signature event for awareness and we are thrilled to bring the Walk back as a completely in-person event this year.” Covid-19 concerns prompted the Alzheimer’s Association to hold a virtual Walk in 2020 and a hybrid version in 2021.

On Walk day, participants come together to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and raise funds that ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them. In addition, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, with the colors of the Promise Garden flowers representing people’s connection to Alzheimer’s – their personal reasons to end the disease.

Kim Arnold, chair of the Genesee/Wyoming Counties Walk to End Alzheimer’s, shares, “I volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association in support of the families and caregivers of those who live with Alzheimer's disease. We have so many outstanding people and families in these two counties' communities who have been affected by Alzheimer’s and consistently support the Walk, and the Alzheimer’s Association. The dedication and turnout has been heartwarming year after year. We look forward to seeing all those smiling faces again for Walk 2022! It's a morning full of fun with music, performers and activities to interest all ages.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York alone, there are more than 410,000 people living with the disease and 580,000 caregivers. 

This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is presented by Uniland. To register and receive the latest updates on the Genesee/Wyoming Counties Walk, visit act.alz.org/GeneseeWyoming. To learn more about the planning committee or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lynn Westcott at lwestcott@alz.org or 716.440.4251.

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk^®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.  

Alzheimer's Association^®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. 

Press release:

Genesee County Interagency Council, Inc. will start our 2022-2023 year on Sept. 21.  Membership in this Council consists of representatives of various agencies/organizations, social interest groups, or others including: representation of religious faiths, schools, youth agencies, health groups, special agencies, professional societies, and community volunteers interested in the well-being of Genesee County residents, and all types of human service related agencies/organizations.

We welcome new members and visitors into our council.  Meetings are held at noon on the third Wednesday of each month (September through June), at Literacy West CORE building, 1 Mill Street in Batavia. 

Our Council objectives are

• To help develop, strengthen, and support the networking of various agencies in the Council.
• To provide a means of understanding and exchange of experience between the agencies concerned, to provide reporting time for agencies at Council meetings; and to encourage members to report Council activities back to their agencies.
• To help identify existing community issues and encourage the development of resolutions.
• To create fellowship and understanding among agencies.
• To include activities and training that will increase the interest, understanding, and knowledge of the members in community service.

Interagency Council Membership Benefits are:

• Network with more than 50 organization representatives
• Collaborate with other organizations that serve Genesee County residents
• Professional development and educational programs
• Information and resource sharing

For more information, please contact Lisa Smith (President) at Lisa.Smith@co.genesee.ny.us or David Dodge (Vice President) at ddodge@caoginc.org. Visit Genesee County Interagency on Facebook.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the return of its West Side Batavia Ghost Stories on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Connie Boyd will be sharing the spooky, sinister, and weird documented stories from the West Side of Batavia's past. Come and listen to tales of murder, ghosts, body snatching hangings, and abandoned cemeteries. This presentation is the same as our Ghost Walk, perfect for those who don't want or aren't able to go on our guided Ghost Walks. Tickets are $5/$3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at (585) 343-4727.

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, today announced the launch of the 2023 Six Flags Seasonal Pass and Annual Membership programs along with a robust lineup of special events during the 2023 season. New offerings create endless opportunities for fun all season long.

• Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS^®– Select dates September 17 through October 15, The area’s scariest and best Halloween event returns! Nighttime festivities include a terrifying scare zone, two haunted houses and a Haunted Trail designed for the ultimate scare;
• NEW – Kids Fest – Saturdays and Sundays June 3 through June 25, the tiniest thrill seekers can celebrate during this event designed for children and their families, including kid’s activities, entertainment, and other fun filled experiences;
• NEW- Festival of Light - Nightly June 23 through Sept. 4, celebrate summer with a variety of spectacular LED light and tunnel displays plus the return of our popular Laser Light show;
• NEW - Can/Am Friendship Festival – July 1 through July 4, celebrate Independence Day and Canada Day with a four-day celebration of fireworks, flags and Patriotic Tributes;
• NEW - Beach Party Weekend – July 21 through July 23, Life’s a Beach at Hurricane Harbor, join us for sun-filled days with a pig roast, specialty food & drinks, live island entertainment and wacky water park contests;
• NEW- International Festival – September 1 through 4, 9 & 16, This family-friendly festival features a selection of seasonal craft beers, delicious cuisine from all over the world, live music, dancing, and a selection of local craft artisans.

The popular Seasonal Dining Pass is back! The re-launched dining program offer guests with a Seasonal Pass or Membership a convenient way to fuel up for their day. The Seasonal Dining Pass allows up to two meals per visit with a 3-hour window between meals. And those who purchase their pass or membership by September 5, 2022 will receive a 10% discount off the new Seasonal Dining Pass.

Membership returns with three tiers of benefits! The Gold Thrill Seeker includes unlimited visits plus parking and in-park benefits. The Platinum Thrill Seeker levels up and is ideal for guests that like to visit multiple Six Flags venues, including Hurricane Harbor and other outdoor properties. The Diamond Thrill Seeker is the best value with the best benefits; it includes all the advantages of Platinum, plus deeper discounts on food and merchandise, extra discounted tickets for friends, and more skip-the-line passes! Best of all, there are no block-out dates! Guests may also select the flexible payment plan for the Thrill Seeker annual memberships. Six Flags also offers a Seasonal Pass for frequent home park only visitation.

Six Flags Pass Program:

• Seasonal Pass:
  • Provides access to Six Flags Darien Lake through Labor Day 2023 for $59.99;
• Gold Thrill Seeker Annual Membership:
  • Only $6.99 per month after initial payment of $18.11;
  • Includes access to Six Flags Darien Lake, Six Flags New England, Six Flags America, Six Flags Great Escape, Six Flags Great Adventure and La Ronde, for one year beginning on date of purchase;
  • General parking;
  • 10% discount on food and retail items;
  • Two Specialty rate friend tickets;
• Platinum Thrill Seeker Annual Membership:
  • Only $7.99 per month after the initial payment of $37.11;
  • Includes access to all Six Flags Outdoor Parks for one year beginning on date of purchase;
  • General parking;
  • 15% discount on food and retail items;
  • Five specialty rate friend tickets;
  • One skip-the-line passes;
• Diamond Thrill Seeker Annual Membership:
  • Only $17.99 per month after the initial payment of $51.11;
  • Includes access to all Six Flags Outdoor Parks for one year beginning on date of purchase;
  • Preferred parking;
  • 20% discount on food, and retail items;
  • Ten specialty rate friend tickets;
  • Five skip-the-line passes.

Pass details can be found at sixflags.com/darienlake

Press release:

The Hope Center of Le Roy Gears Up for Fall Programs

The Hope Center, located at 42 Main Street in Le Roy, is a faith-based, non-profit community outreach center established in 2016. Their mission is to serve by providing resources to help those in need. All are invited to participate in their programs, three of which will be starting up this fall:

"GriefShare" is a weekly grief support group that will meet on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm, starting Sept 8th through Dec 8th. This program is designed to help and encourage those who have experienced the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. If you, or someone you know needs help healing their broken heart, this is the place to be. For more information or to register, please call Mari-Lee Ruddy at (716) 861-5645.

"Fresh Start Tutoring" is a free program that supports children in grades K-6 by assisting them with their math and reading skills. Students meet with a trained volunteer for about 30 minutes each week. We are currently in need of caring hearts to become volunteer tutors. (This is ideal for high school students or retired teachers!) Please contact Amy at fs.hopecenter@gmail.com if you are interested in making a difference in a child's life.

"Memory and Friends" is a free monthly respite care program for those challenged with early to mid-stage memory impairment due to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to work with our guests one-on-one, or to assist with preparing lunch, set-up, clean-up, and activities. Please contact us at hopecenter585@gmail.com if you have approximately 4 hours a month or every other month to join us and become a Friend. You'll be so glad you did!

File photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, Sept. 17,  from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter.  An interesting selection of house plants will also be available for sale.

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Basket Auction.  You never know what treasures may appear, including unique garden art.  The Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 pm.

Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes!  These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

The Master Gardener Helpline will be open to answer your gardening questions.  Not sure what your garden pH is?  Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices.  Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  No early birds please.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

“Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Press release:

Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District invites you to our Tree Planting and Maintenance Event on September 17^th from 10a-1p. The event will be hosted at Godfrey’s Pond (7925 Godfrey’s Pond Road, Bergen NY 14416) and directions to our site will be posted when you arrive. At this workshop, NYS DEC Forester Gary Koplun and fellow foresters will demonstrate various tree-planting techniques. They will also cover the best ways to prevent deer damage, how to maintain healthy seedlings, and other important tree maintenance techniques. Following the demonstration, a small hike will be taken around the property to explore a reforestation project, identify trees, and discuss trees that are suitable for various site conditions. All are welcome to attend, and the event is free of charge.

Please register ahead though by either visiting our website: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/soilandwater/index.php

Or using the link below: https://forms.gle/jBKvvjhjYqn4Fadf7  

Press release:

The GCEDC board will consider a final resolution for a proposed $17.6 million project by Nexgistics to construct a 140,000 sq. ft. warehouse distribution center and national headquarters in Pembroke at its board meeting on Thursday, September 1, 2022.

Nexgistics is a fast-growing third-party logistics provider specializing in consumer electronics, sporting and outdoor goods, e-bikes and related products with operations in New York and Nevada. Nexgistics currently leases space at two locations in western New York and is seeking to build a centrally located facility that will enable the company to retain 21 full-time positions and create three new jobs. The facility would be located on 30 acres of land on Vision Parkway in the town of Pembroke.

Nexgistics is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at $812,000, a property tax abatement of approximately $1,116,360, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $154,650.  For every $1 of public benefit the company is investing $7 into the local economy.

The Sept. 1, 2022, GCEDC Board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive across the street from Genesee Community College.  On-demand recording of the meeting also will be available at www.gcedc.com.

Press Release

To all motorists, businesses, and property owners along Park Road in the City and Town of Batavia:

The Park Road Improvement project continues to progress.

Milling and Paving operations will occur on Thursday, September 1, 2022. This work will be focused on the portion of Park Road between Veterans Memorial Drive and Oak Street/ NYS Rt 98. Traffic will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic. Expect delays. Motorist are asked to seek alternate routes if possible.

Final course paving will occur on Friday, September 2, 2022. This work will be focused on the portion of Park Road between Veterans Memorial Drive and Oak Street/ NYS Rt 98 & Park Road between Richmond Avenue and Veterans Memorial Drive. Traffic will be reduced to one lane alternating traffic.

Expect delays. Motorist are asked to seek alternate routes if possible.

Park Road between Lewiston Road/ NYS Rt 63 and Richmond Avenue remains closed in preparation of final paving course. Date to be determined.

Batavia Downs traffic is asked to enter and exit the facility parking area from the north end of Park Road near Richmond Avenue. Signage will direct Batavia Downs customers and staff to the parking areas.

For traffic needing to access Park Road approaching from Lewiston Road/ NYS Route 63, you are asked to follow the Park Rd Detour utilizing Veterans Memorial Drive.

For traffic needing to access Lewiston Road/ NYS Route 63 approaching from Oak Street/ NYS Route 98 and NYS Thruway, you asked to follow the Route 63 Detour utilizing Veterans Memorial Drive.

All through traffic is asked to avoid Park Road if possible and seek alternate routes.

Press release:

“We’ve Only Just Begun” Senior Luncheon group gets together the 3rd Tuesday of each month for lunch at the South Alabama Firehall (Bring a dish to pass) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is followed by a speaker or an event.  This month our Guest Speaker is Maureen Estabrooks, a Specialist from the Genesee County Office for the Aging.  She will be giving us an overview of all the services that our Genesee County Office for the Aging provides to people age 60 or older.  Please come and bring a dish-to-pass and enjoy lunch and an afternoon of unlimited information on “How to Age thru the years”!   The September Theme will be “Football”, so please wear your favorite team colors! Open to the Public, everyone is invited to participate.     Co-Chairpersons:  Michael Hamm and LaNora Thompson     Contact Person:  LaNora Thompson (630) 888-8966

We also have two new bus trips scheduled that are open to the public: 

October 13, 2022 Geneva and Canandaigua to tour the Rose Hill Mansion with time to shop, Nolans in Canandaigua for a wonderful lunch, then onto Sonnenberg Gardens for guided tour through the gardens, mansion and greenhouse.  Time to shop and followed by wine tasting. $145/person

November 2-3, 2022 Lancaster, PA to Sights and Sounds to see “David”, also Amish experience, Bird in Hand Restaurant Smorgasboard, guided Farmland Tour, and shopping & lunch at Kitchen Kettle Village. $369/person (double occupancy)

Registration deadlines are quickly approaching in early September so don’t hesitate if you want to make the trip.

For more information, please contact Jane Glor (585) 948-3066

Press release:

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports has announced that Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has been selected to receive a procurement award of $249,900 to improve the agency’s ability to provide non-medical transportation to its clients.

With this two-year grant, GCASA literally is in a position to make the “road to recovery” much easier for residents in the tri-county area (Wyoming County is included).

“This award will allow us to build upon what we already do in terms of transporting clients to their appointments by allowing us to add more focus on essential trips for non-medical reasons in addition to coordinating rides to and from counseling and treatment sessions,” said Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, GCASA’s director of Project Innovation & Expansion.

Mangino-Crandall said the bulk of the funds will be used toward hiring new drivers and transportation costs. Funds also will enable GCASA to establish contracts with cab companies and to market the program to the community.

“One of the requirements is for us to expand transportation services from five to seven days per week, and we’re already in the process of planning for that change,” she noted.

Transportation Coordinator Nickole Millette, an Attica resident who served GCASA as a driver for a year before moving into her current position in 2021, said the agency wouldn’t be able to serve its clients effectively without being able to provide rides.

“These people are at different stages of recovery and most of them do not have a car,” she said. “So, it’s crucial that we’re able to fill that need.”

She estimated that her office has set up more than 800 rides since the first of the year – mostly through Medicaid.

Currently, GCASA employs a full-time and part-time driver to shuttle clients throughout the city – some to The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road – with pickup points at DePaul, St. Jerome, GCASA and Liberty Square.

“We rely on the taxi companies for trips to Rochester and Buffalo, but we provide service to Albion on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” she said.

Millette said some of the grant money will be used to explore expanding its appointment process or to utilize a different system that clients can access to make an appointment for rides.

“Our goal is to make it as efficient and easy as possible for our patients to get to their appointments, whether it be to the dentist, court, Department of Social Services or to come here (The Recovery Station) for social time,” she said. “I can tell you that the clients – many with no family support -- really appreciate the help.”

OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham emphasized the importance of providing reliable transportation for those seeking services for a substance use disorder.

“This pilot program allows us to work with our providers on the ground to address these issues, and improve transportation services for people in need of further support or resources,” she said in a press release. “For many people who need services, the lack of resources to travel to and from the programs they need has a negative impact on health outcomes. This has been made worse in some cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Funding awarded under this program must be used for non-medical transportation needs, such as recreational activities likely to increase social connection or emotional well-being, recovery supports, peer interactions, formal or informal mutual support groups such as SMART Recovery and AA or NA meetings, and rides to treatment or harm reduction services or to service providers.

Data and information from this pilot program will help to guide further expansions of transportation services across the state.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next Trivia Night at the museum on Thursday, September 8th at 7 pm. This month we will be meeting at the GO ART! building located at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia. This month's topic is Elizabeth I in honor of the queen's birthday. Admission is $3 per person or $2 for museum members. Come and join us at GO ART!, where you can also enjoy beverages served by Tavern 2.0 while testing your Elizabethan knowledge. Please contact the museum if you would like to attend at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next presenter in our Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, September 14th at 7 pm. Deanne Quinn Miller will be presenting on her recently published book, "A Prison Guard's Daughter: My Journey Through the Ashes of Attica." The book is her mission to find answers to the death of her father, a corrections officer, during the Attica Prison riot on September 13, 1971. Copies of the book will also be available in the museum gift shop. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The Guest Speaker Series is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and New York State Legislature and administered by Go ART!

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next Java with Joe E. morning presentation series on Thursday, September 22nd at 9 am. This month's presenter is Greg Van Dussen. Mr. Van Dussen is a local author and former Methodist pastor. He has also taught at the Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College. His topic will be the Methodist Circuit Riders of North America, focusing primarily in areas of the Northeast and Midwest. The presentation is free to attend and coffee and donuts will be provided. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the return of its West Side Batavia Ghost Stories. Connie Boyd will be sharing the spooky, sinister, and weird documented stories from the West Side of Batavia's past. Come and listen to tales of murder, ghosts, body-snatching hangings, and abandoned cemeteries. This presentation is the same as our Ghost Walk, perfect for those who don't want or aren't able to go on our guided Ghost Walks. Tickets are $5/$3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727.

Press release:

The Blessing of the Animals Service:  Sunday, Sept. 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Road (1 mile north of Stafford off Route 237).  This event will be held rain or shine.  Your pet needs to be kept under your care during the service and blessing.  Photos of your special friends may also be brought to be blessed.  Certificates of Blessing will be provided. Light refreshments will be served following the services. 

Submitted photo: Rev. James Morasco and Willow.