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Jacobs introduces bill he says will get people back to work

By Press Release

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the Help Wanted Act yesterday evening to help address the growing labor shortages reported in Western New York and around the nation.

“The jobs report released Friday shows what we warned would happen – the President’s policies have disincentivized work and made it more lucrative for individuals to stay home and collect enhanced unemployment benefits than seek employment,” Jacobs said. “Now we are seeing the effects.

"Businesses cannot find employees to keep up with growing demand, restaurants are having to turn customers away when they need them most, and commodity prices are skyrocketing as organizations cannot find labor to support their supply chains. This legislation addresses the root causes of this labor shortage to get Americans back to work and support our economic recovery.”

“There are nearly 8 million job openings and 14 million Americans out of work. If the American economy is going to make a full comeback, we have to get folks back to work -- Congressman Jacobs' Help Wanted Act accomplishes that goal,” Rep. Dusty Johnson said.

“I have continually advocated for reopening our economy and getting people back to work,” said Rep. Tracey Mann. “At a time when small businesses and other employers are searching for workers, the federal government’s interference to normal order is not the right path. It’s time to take off the masks, reopen our businesses and schools, and get back on track.”

The Help Wanted Act was introduced by Rep. Jacobs and is cosponsored by Rep. Johnson (SD-AL) and Rep. Mann (KS-01). 

The legislation would accomplish three main goals. It would require every state to reinstate the “work-search” requirement for unemployment benefits. This requires unemployment recipients to show proof of a job search to receive benefits. During the coronavirus pandemic, this condition was waived by many states.

"In addition, the legislation strikes a provision from the CARES Act allowing individuals to collect unemployment if they voluntarily left their job. Finally, the legislation would prohibit the use of generic concerns about COVID-19 as a reason for turning down offers of employment.

Jacobs said “With more than a year of complying with COVID protocols, vaccines available to all adults, and infection rates dropping significantly, it is time for us to fully reopen and get back to work."

You're invited to donate your treasured interment flag to be flown at the new WNY National Cemetery

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

The Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu is open; creating a nearby resting place for our nation’s veterans. A unique feature there will be the Avenue of Flags.

The Veterans Administration only permits official U.S. interment flags, also known as casket flags, to be flown here. Store-bought flags are not authorized.

This presentation of flying interment flags, lining the lanes in the Cemetery, will augment the reverence and prestige of this distinguished place.

Although there are more than 155 national cemeteries, only two others have this unique style of presentation -- using interment flags exclusively. They are the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County, Pa., and the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D.

An interment flag may be donated -- by a family whose relatives were entitled to military honors at their funeral -- to the Western New York National Cemetery Memorial Council(501c3) for display on the Avenue of Flags.

Many families have donated their flags to be flown in honor of all veterans and as a tribute to their deceased loved one, regardless of where the veteran is buried.

The annual presentation is set up in Spring for several Federal holidays and retired for the season after Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

Volunteers Maintain the Integrity of the Avenue of Flags

It counts on the aid of volunteer teams to maintain its integrity through the summer. Teams inspect the flags and when one becomes unrepairable or serviceable, it is removed and a new flag is put in its place.

Weather-worn flags are retired with dignity and their ashes placed in the graves of veterans who are interred at the cemetery in the future. Your loved one’s cherished flag will always remain at the Western New York National Cemetery to pay tribute to all those who honorably served their country.

Invitation to Donate Your Interment Flag

The Western New York National Cemetery Memorial Council respectfully invites you to donate your treasured interment flag to the Avenue of Flags.

It will fly to honor your loved one’s memory and all departed veterans. Also, if you would consider a tax-deductible donation to support the equipment and upkeep for this program, or wish to become involved with the Memorial Council itself, please contact us at the numbers below.

The Memorial Council is a 501c3 organization. Membership is open to all individuals, groups and organizations that wish to:

  • support our mission, through the traditions of God and Country;
  • associate ourselves together on special occasions to honor our living veterans;
  • pay tribute to the memory of our military comrades and their eligible family members whose mortal remains have been interred on the hallowed grounds of the WNY National Cemetery in Corfu.

The Council will coordinate ceremonies and events with the Cemetery staff during the year and provide any support needed that honors the memory of our Brothers, Sisters and eligible family members.

Become a Member in Good Standing of the WNY Memorial Council

To become a Member in Good Standing with the WNY Memorial Council you may do so by sending in “Lifetime” membership dues of $30.

Checks are to be written to WNY Heroes with “WNY Memorial Council Dues” written on the memo line to ensure it is placed in the correct account. 

Mail them to: WNY Heroes 8205 Main St., Suite 1, Williamsville, NY 14221

This is also the protocol for any donations with “Flag Committee Donation” on the memo line. A letter of thanks will go out on our letterhead with WNY Heroes tax exempt number on it.

For membership information contact:

William R. Joyce -- WNY Cemetery Memorial Council President / Cochair Avenue of Flags Committee

For Avenue of Flags information contact:

Mark Janik -- Chairman Avenue of Flags Committee

BHS Musicians of Note is May 20 at the high school to spotlight seven honorees

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

Musicians of Note, a wall of fame to honor past Batavia High School graduates in music, will showcase the 2020 honorees in a ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 20, at the high school.

The selection committee for Musicians of Note received numerous outstanding nominations in January 2020 prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Rather than have a virtual ceremony in 2020, the Musicians of Note committee decided to postpone the celebration until they were able to properly honor the 2020 recipients.

They are now able to hold the event live by following CDC guidelines and with limited seating. Honorees will be recognized with a video presentation.

The BHS Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Beauty Shop Ensemble, and the BHS String Ensemble will perform for the first time since December 2019.

A plaque featuring the honorees' accomplishments will be displayed on the new Musicians of Note wall at the High School.

The 2020/2021 recipients for the Musician of Note Award are: Ken Hay, Melinda Hay, Joseph Robusto, Harold McJury, Marc Schumann Ferrari, Patrick Jee and Alexander Davis.

Kenneth Hay (1982-2003) -- Former BHS Band Director:

●  Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators President;

●  Conducted All-County Bands in Genesee and Orleans County;

●  Pit Orchestra Conductor for 18 Batavia Rotary Club Productions;

●  Named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Batavia;

●  Presented with the GO ART! Genesee-Orleans Community Arts Award 2003.

Melinda Hay (1983-2003) -- Former Elementary Band Director:

● Helped to organize the First Elementary All-County Festival in Genesee County;

 

 

●  Conducted an Elementary All-County Band;

●  Enjoyed starting many young musicians on their first Band instrument;

●  Created “Tour Day” for the Batavia Advanced Band;

●  Was honored to “pin” a flower on each graduating senior at the Batavia Pageant of Bands.

Joseph Robusto -- Class of ‘65:

●  Exemplified his Batavia High Yearbook designations of “Friendliest” and “Best Smile”;

●  Talented classical accordionist and disciplined competitor who attained the Alternate National Accordion Championship title as the youngest recipient at age 16;

●  Competed and adjudicated nationally and internationally;

●  Outstanding musician and dedicated instructor, a loving and supportive family man, a well-known local business owner and community supporter, and a friend to everyone he became acquainted with;

●  Amazing accordion and piano performer whose fine tuned technique and interpretative skills would captivate you by drawing you into the moving story he was telling through his music.

 

 

Herald McJury -- Class of ‘68 (inset photo, right):

  • Guest Soloist with Genesee Symphony Orchestra;
  • Batavia Youth Bureau Adult Volunteer of the Year;
  • Drum Corp International Volunteer of the Year 1995;
  • Buglers Hall of Fame 2016;
  • Navy submarine service during the Vietnam War.

 

Marc Schumann Ferrari -- Class of ‘80 (inset photo left):

●  Salutatorian BHS Class of 1980;

●  Member of major label recording artists Keel and Cold Sweat;

●  Guitarist in the hit movies "Wayne's World" and "Wayne's World 2";

●  Two-time published author -- "Rock Star 101" and "Don't Dilly Dally Silly Sally";

●  Father of the most awesome daughter Sierra.

 

 

Patrick Jee -- Class of ‘96 (inset photo left):

 

●  Joined the New York Philharmonic in 2012.

 

●  Performed at the United Nations in 2003.

 

●  Editor for the International Music Company.

 

●  Performed as music therapist for endangered elephants in Thailand.

 

 

 

Alexander Davis -- Class of '08 (inset photo right):

●  Founder & Artistic Director of Sugar Hill Salon Chamber Music for Black and Brown Classical Musicians;

●  Performed with Detroit Symphony Orchestra;

●  Toured with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra;

●  Administrative Manager for Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival;

●  Teaching Artist at The Park Avenue Armory.

Alexander United Teachers unanimously vote to endorse Josselyn Borowiec for the district's Board of Education

By Press Release

Press release:

The Alexander United Teachers, through the unanimous vote of the duly elected leaders, endorses Josselyn Borowiec for the Alexander Central School District Board of Education.

She is a dedicated, long-standing member of our school community with the leadership ability to guide the board through these uncertain times and represent the interests of students, families, and educators.

County offers free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic May 20 at fairgrounds

By Press Release

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, May 20th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main St., Batavia). 

“We encourage all Genesee County residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee County and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit four pets per car maximum. 

Face coverings are required and please follow all social distancing requirements. 

To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic. 

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Aug. 12th. For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

Empire Access offers discounted internet through new FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program

By Press Release

Press release:

Today, Empire Access announced its participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. This temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband internet service for eligible households during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3.2B Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband internet service for eligible households. Having a broadband connection is essential for households to gain access to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.

“This program provides the much needed financial relief for families during these challenging times,” said Jim Baase, chief operating officer for Empire Access. “Our customers will still receive the same great speeds and high-quality service under the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program.”

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
  • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since Feb. 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment will begin (open) today, May 12. For more information on eligibility and enrollment, contact Empire Access at (800) 338-3300 or visit www.empireaccess.com/EBB

Personal income tax filing or extension request deadline is Monday

By Press Release

Press release:

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminds taxpayers that the deadline to file personal income tax returns is Monday, May 17. Resources to help you file an accurate and on-time return are available anytime online at www.tax.ny.gov.

"The Tax Department website is an essential resource that allows taxpayers to efficiently fulfill their filing obligations,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller. “You can access everything from free filing software to answers to frequently asked questions. I encourage all New Yorkers to visit www.tax.ny.gov to ease the stress of last-minute filing."

Our Filing season resource center can help you complete a range of tasks, including filing your tax return, responding to a request for additional information, or checking the status of your refund.

E-file for free. Free File software is accessible from the Tax Department website at Free File your income tax return. Taxpayers with incomes of $72,000 or less in 2020 can electronically complete and submit their federal and New York State income tax returns online at no cost. More than 192,000 New York taxpayers have used our Free File software so far this year. It’s easy, fast, and secure.

To ensure you're not charged a fee, you must go to the Tax Department’s website to complete your return. You’ll save on preparation fees, prevent costly errors, and ensure that you receive any refund you’re owed in the most efficient way possible.

By e-filing your return and choosing direct deposit you’ll receive your refund up to two weeks sooner.

To use direct deposit, simply check direct deposit on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. For checking accounts, this information is available on your checks; for savings accounts, contact your bank.

Check your refund online. Taxpayers can also quickly view the status of their New York State tax refund anytime using the Check Your Refund Status tool on the Tax Department website (visit www.tax.ny.gov and search: refund). It’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund. It’s updated daily and provides the same information available to our phone representatives—only without the wait!

You can also sign up to receive an email about your refund issue date. Visit the Tax Department homepage at www.tax.ny.gov, select Subscribe under the Connect With Us heading at the bottom of the page, then choose Sign up for alerts.

Communicate directly with the Tax Department. If you receive a letter asking for documentation to support entries on your return, it doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It's one of several steps the Tax Department takes to ensure that returns are accurate and refunds amounts are correct. The goal is to stop questionable returns and refund claims, not to delay refunds.

Create an Individual Online Services account. If you have an Online Services account, you can review your Account Summary homepage for important information about your tax account. You can view any payments you already made toward your income tax to confirm the total amount you paid, so it’s easy to report on your tax return when filing. These payments include estimated tax payments made throughout the year, any overpayment carried forward from the previous year, as well as payments made with your extension of time to file.

Request an extension of time to file. You can obtain an automatic extension of time to file if you’re unable to submit a completed income tax return by the May 17 deadline. The extension request is due Monday, May 17 at 11:59 p.m. You must also make your extension payment by May 17. Personal income tax returns with an extension are due on or before Friday, Oct. 15.

Get your questions answered. Tax Department representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET at (518) 457-5181 on weekdays. Additionally, representatives will be available until 7 p.m. on the filing deadline Monday, May 17 to answer last minute questions.

Before you call, however, consider that the most efficient way to obtain tax filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov. Our Filing season resource center is a good place to start.

GC Youth Court members delve into jurisprudence in Mock Trial on Law Day

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

Genesee County Youth Court members participated in a Mock Trial in honor of Law Day May 1. There are currently 34 Youth Court members representing seven of our nine school districts as well as Notre Dame.

The Youth Bureau is proud to coordinate this important component of the justice system. Any eighth-  through 11th-graders who are interested in becoming a member of Genesee County Youth Court can find an application online here or call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Genesee County Youth Court also celebrated Law Day by acknowledging their seniors who will head off to college this fall.

Some of these members have been involved with Genesee County Youth Court since their swearing in, which took place in January of 2018. The court was lucky enough to have such great youth to represent Genesee County Youth Court!

Pictured above are senior members of the Genesee County Youth Court: Julie Muntz (Oakfield), Luke Rindell (Batavia), Sadie Nickels (Oakfield), Ariana Desa e Frias (Batavia), and Evan Amberger (Pavilion). Not pictured is Ava Flores, a senior from Oakfield.

Above, at the Law Day Mock Trial are: Evan Amberger (Respondent) being questioned by (Prosecution Attorney) Matthew Tanner from Byron-Bergen.

Above, at the Law Day Mock Trial are: Evan Amberger (Respondent) being questioned by (Defense Attorney) Ariana Desa e Frias from Batavia.

Portion of North Bergen Road closed for about two weeks for bridge repair work

By Press Release

From Genesee County Highway Department:

North Bergen Road between Merrill Road and Bird Road in Byron will be closed effective immediately for approximately two weeks for bridge repair work. It will not be open to local traffic.

The public will be notified when the road reopens.

Bethany bids farewell to long-serving Town Clerk

By Press Release

Photos and information from Glenn Adams:

Residents from the Town of Bethany said farewell to its long-serving Town Clerk on Monday evening, May 10. Debbie Douglas (in top photo) was presented with a number of gifts by the Town. But, she and husband, Tom, made their own donations to the Town.

"Bethany has done so much for us," she said, "and we wanted to give back in some small way."

Debbie and Tom donated two defibrillators, one for the Town Hall, and one for the highway garage.

They also donated a trainer to get employees up to speed on how to use the defibrillators.

In addition to gifts for the Town, they donated a second defibrillator trainer to the fire department, along with two seek retractors, and two thermal imaging cameras, which will be useful in fire situations where dense smoke precluded being able to see inside buildings.

We will sorely miss her as Town Clerk, and wish her and Tom the very best in retirement.

Below, Interim Town Clerk Ruth Bodkins presents Debbie Douglas with a gift from the Town.

Below, Bethany Fire Chief Jeff Fluker, Debbie Douglas, Tom Douglas, and Bethany Town Supervisor Karl Hyde.

BPD reminds public to ALWAYS lock your vehicle's doors after another rash of larcenies in the city

By Press Release

From the Batavia Police Department:

The Batavia Police Department has recently been investigating a plethora of larcenies from vehicles in the city. These larcenies have been occurring mainly in the overnight hours, and from (unfortunately) unlocked motor vehicles.

Patrols remain vigilant in the overnight hours, and we are asking for assistance from the public in reducing the amount of these incidents.

Please remember: ALWAYS lock your car doors. Leave exterior lighting on if possible.

ALWAYS lock your car doors. Remove valuables from your vehicle.

ALWAYS lock your car doors. Theft prevention starts with you, and it starts before you even leave your vehicle.

As always, if you notice anything suspicious around your property, please do not hesitate to the contact the police department.

Graham Corp. to hold fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 financial results conference call & webcast June 1

By Press Release

Press release:

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global business that designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the oil refining, petrochemical and defense industries, announced today that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2021, before the opening of financial markets on Tuesday, June 1.

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to review its financial and operating results, strategy, and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results Conference Call

Tuesday, June 1
11 a.m. Eastern Time

Phone: (201) 689-8560
Internet webcast link and accompanying slide presentation:  http://www.graham-mfg.com

A telephonic replay will be available from 2 p.m. ET on the day of the teleconference through Tuesday, June 8. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter conference ID number 13718347, or access the webcast replay via the Company’s website at http://www.graham-mfg.com, where a transcript will also be posted once available.

Genesee County has 32 new coronavirus cases since Friday

By Press Release

Press release:

New data format: We will be reporting the total number of positive cases, ages, number of active cases / mandatory isolation and on Fridays we will include the NYS Fatality Data.

We will no longer be reporting by region, facility data, negative and recovered numbers.

Hospitalizations and ages of new positive individuals will be reported in the narrative. 

The total age breakdown and potential community exposure risks will continue to be posted on our websites. The data reporting chart will also include the Finger Lakes COVID Vaccination Hub updates on vaccination in both total number and percentage.

Genesee County is reporting 32 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday

  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. 
  • Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Orleans County is reporting 37 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday.  

  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
  • Zero of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

City announces emergency water shutoff along Ellicott Street tomorrow

By Press Release

Press release:

The City Water Department has to do an emergency water shut-off on Wednesday, May 12.

The water will be shut on Ellicott Street from Liberty to Swan, Hutchins from Ellicott to Sumner, Goade, and Hyde Park. This will start at 7:30 a.m. and water will be off until 12 p.m.

We appreciate the patience of the citizens involved.

GLOW Women Rise holds forum June 5, deadline for GRIT Award nominations is May 14

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

GLOW Women Rise invites the community to join us for our second annual Empowerment Forum, which will be held virtually on Saturday, June 5. The focus will be on the International Women's Day theme #ChooseToChallenge.

Discussions and workshops were selected to motivate participants to challenge themselves and each other in the areas of discrimination, personal finances, body positivity, and community. The Empowerment Forum is a free event (donations gratefully accepted) and is open to the community. 

The keynote speaker will be the author and award-winning lecturer Tamara L. McMillan (inset photo right), Ph.D.c, CPSC. A Buffalo native, McMillan is also the founder of McMillan Empowerment Enterprises (MEE).

As an agent of change, MEE has shaped the lives of countless girls and women worldwide by providing tools of transformation while passionately empowering them to reconnect to their own life's purpose to embrace and narrate their own stories. 

The Empowerment Forum encourages women's growth and networking across the region and is appropriate for adolescents and older, and is open to anyone interested in empowering women! Please encourage participation from the teen and young adult women in your lives.

GLOW Women Rise will also be honoring the GRIT Award winners.

The GRIT Award is given to women within the community who exhibit tenacity, fearlessness, and spirit in advocating for an underrepresented group in the GLOW region. Nominees for this honor can be submitted through the organization's website and are due by May 14.

The event includes taking a moment to recognize the loss of many women in our communities and our families. GLOW Women Rise encourages you to participate in this tribute by submitting a memorial at bit.ly/GWRMemorial.

The Empowerment Forum will be held virtually and can be viewed on computers, tablets, and on most cell phones.

To learn more and register, click here

To nominate someone for the GRIT Award or to memorialize someone, please click here.

GLOW Women Rise is a registered 501c3.

Pavilion voters to decide May 18 if Hollwedel should become school district public library

By Press Release

Above, Adeline Offhaus enjoys a book she found at the Hollwedel Memorial Library about wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Submitted photos and press release:

A proposition to transition Hollwedel Memorial Library, currently chartered to serve the Town of Pavilion, to a Pavilion Central School District public library will be put to a vote May 18.

An online presentation by the Hollwedel Memorial Library Board of Trustees with details about the proposition has been available and can be viewed at www.HollwedelLibrary.org/vote. The slides used in this presentation can also be picked up at the library.

An informational flier with details about the vote was mailed to Pavilion Central School District residents in early April.

The Hollwedel Memorial Library Board of Trustees also hosted two small group sessions at the library for residents on April 24 and 26. At these meetings, Joan Gray, president, and Stephen Gould, vice president, shared information about the proposition to transition the library to a school district public library.

Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at Pavilion High School.

If approved, the library’s service area would expand to serve the residents of the Pavilion Central School District. Currently, the library is chartered to serve the Town of Pavilion.

Stabilizes Funding & Provides Elected Representation

The library would remain housed in the same building with the same staff. The school district would have no direct control of the library but would collect funds for the library. This transition to a School District Public Library would stabilize the funding needed to operate the library, and provide elected representation to the taxpayers as library trustees will be elected rather than appointed.

According to Board President Gray, “We hope that residents remember to vote on May 18. At our meetings and online, we have explained that library usage has increased steadily while our funding has not. With this vote, the proposed level of community-based funding would amount to 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed values on properties in the Pavilion School District.

"Without this transition, the future of the library is uncertain. We have been encouraged by the positive comments we have received from the community who believe that the library is important to all of us.”

The slide presentation along with additional information about the upcoming library vote are available online at the library’s website at www.HollwedelMemorialLibrary.org/vote. Residents with questions can also contact the library at (585) 584-8843. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Below, Harper Offhaus and her mom, Danielle, often enjoy a book together in the Children’s Reading area at the Hollwedel Memorial Library. Danielle currently serves on the library's Board of Trustees.

Below, grandmother Lisa Schiske shows Chase Radesi, left, and Ari Schiske how to read one of their favorite children’s books online at the library.

Below, Oscar Staba uses the Hollwedel library’s computers to get his homework done, and he enjoys the free WiFi for use on his phone.

Local Arc chapters join collaborative hiring recruitment campaign called 'Is DSP for Me'

By Press Release

Press release:

The 12 organizations that comprise The Collaborative of NY, including Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming have joined forces to launch a recruitment campaign to hire Direct Support Professionals to work with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. 

The campaign called Is DSP for Me aims to educate prospective applicants about the responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional, spotlight the variety of career opportunities available, and inspire people who have a passion for making a difference to apply for positions across the region. A website, https://www.isdspforme.org/ has been launched and recruitment messaging is reaching potential applicants on Spotify, YouTube ads, and other platforms. 

“Is DSP for Me races to bring attention, interest and most of all, the men and women, young and old, to work in this especially rewarding field,” said Projects Manager for The Collaborative of NY, Roberta Oese-Siegel. “Providing direct supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism is an investment in one’s entire self.

"Working in the field develops universally applicable skills in interpersonal communications, creative problem solving, scheduling, results dependent flexibility and much more. It broadens your perspective and is a daily and direct act of doing one’s part in creating a better world. The Arc’s – the historical champions in the United States for individuals with I/DD – created the standard by which the world measures its progress in this sector. Who wouldn’t be excited to try a rewarding career with us?”

Formed in 1996, the Collaborative of NY Inc. is comprised of 12 chapters of The Arc New York Inc., serving a 19-county region, reaching from Lake Ontario to the Pennsylvania border. The region encompasses counties in Western New York, the Southern Tier, and Central New York. The Collaborative was formed to optimize the supports and services its member agencies provide to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their local communities throughout the region.

Chapters involved include: Allegany-Steuben, Cattaraugus/Niagara – In Tandem, Chautauqua – The Resource Center, Chemung-Schuyler, Erie County, Genesee-Orleans, Livingston-Wyoming, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Seneca/Cayuga/Yates – Mozaic, and Wayne.

Over the last 25 years, Collaborative teams have engaged in training, quality assurance, financial, human resource and self-advocacy projects, identifying and engaging in the efficient and high-quality use of resources. The projects establish goals and benchmarks for both the regional group and for the 12 individual member agencies in order to design high quality supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

For more information about the Is DSP for Me campaign, please contact Bobbie Oese-Siegel, (585) 415-1074 or bobbie.oesesiegel@collabfl.org

Crossroads House Car Wash Memorial Fundraiser is going on now until 8 p.m. at Classy Chassy on Veterans Memorial Drive

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

Is your vehicle ready for a bath? Might we suggest the best wash in town? Thank you so much to Ellen Greene-Gruttadauria of Classy Chassy Car Wash, and Kim Pangrazio, for planning a car wash fundraiser to support Crossroads House!

This will be in memory of Kim's mother, Carol, who was our resident back in 2018. Carol was a local gal and made her way deep into the heart of our community. The event will take place Tuesday, May 11th at the 4120 Veterans Memorial Drive location ONLY (across from Walmart).

Now until 8 p.m., you pay only $5 per Eco Tunnel Wash, which the Classy Chassy is donating back, along with their generous match of $5, to bless us with $10 per car! This is their best wash, the Eco Tunnel Bath, an $18 value for only $5!

Show your car some LOVE on today and thank you for supporting Crossroads House!

Below, Kim Pangrazio, left, and her late mother, Carol.

Rochester Regional Health seeks UMMC food service workers at Batavia job fair on May 26

By Press Release

Press release:

On Wednesday, May 26, Rochester Regional Health’s food and nutrition service team will conduct on-site interviews from 1 to 3 p.m. for a wide range of food service positions at United Memorial Medical Center.

Open positions include:

  • Cooks
  • Food Service Associates
  • Food Service Team Leaders
  • Hospitality Office Associates

The organization is hiring individuals with full-time, part-time, and per diem availability.

“People who come to this recruiting event will be able to interview right on-site so we can get to know you and see what position best matches your interests and skills,” said Julie Hamil, senior director of Food & Nutrition Services. “Rochester Regional Health facilities are great places to work and I’m excited to see our team grow!”

The recruiting event will be conducted in compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Interviews will be socially distanced and masks are required. 

Rochester Regional Health Job Fair Recruiting Event

Date:  Wednesday, May 26

Time:  1– 3 p.m.

Location:  United Memorial Medical Center / 127 North St., Batavia / Room -- A110

RSVP: Walk-ins are welcome but candidates are encouraged to RSVP using this link.    

Check-in:  Participants will arrive at the hospital’s main lobby and be directed to the interviews.

Questions:  Contact Patrick Vickery at Patrick.Vickery@rochesterregional.org

About Rochester Regional Health

It is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and immediate care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the region’s second-largest employer. Learn more at RochesterRegional.org.

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