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Visit Genesee County’s Alpaca Farms year-round but also especially on National Alpaca Farm Days! By Lindsay Hawkins

Recently, the tourism staff of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce spent some time with Jake, Florence, Oliver, Stella, Alita and Al. If you’ve never visited one of the County’s six alpaca farms, those names might not mean much to you, but friends were made (human and fleece-y) at Alpaca Odyssey, Northwoods Alpacas, Triple B’s Alpaca Farm, and Enchanted Forest Alpacas.

At every farm, we learned something different about alpacas. We learned that alpaca fleece wicks away moisture, females carry their babies (crias) for 11 to 13 months, they spit when they’re mad (at you or one another), and that alpaca farms draw international visitors! 

These farms are open to visitors year-round, but the industry celebrates its craft with National Alpaca Farm Days each September. This year the event will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29. Several of our farms are participating and welcome your visit!

More details after the jump (click the headline to view more):

Alpaca Delights

10311 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054 

(585) 344-2983

Made in America hand-spun yarn donated by their alpacas! Visit the alpacas and purchase yarn at their small store. 

How to visit this farm:

• Open by appointments on weekends.
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

 

Alpaca Odyssey

8100 Marble Road, Akron, NY 14001

(585) 542-3939

www.AlpacaOdyssey.com

Alpaca Odyssey & Mercantile of Akron has only been open for four years, but they have quite the collection of alpacas from this hobby-turned-business – twenty-five (and one llama) to be exact. Owners Cathy Marble & Michael Margarucci say they have mostly Huacaya alpacas (the fluffy ones) but they do have several Suris (longer, curly hair, more rare and expensive), as well. Their large, flat property is great for groups and is handicapped accessible. Wide-open land lends itself to petting, feeding, and walking the alpacas.  Be sure to browse the store shared with Triple B’s and pick up some homemade alpaca crafts!

How to visit this farm:

• Groups and families can bring a picnic lunch and watch the alpacas roam the grounds. Visiting the farm is free, however there is a suggested donation of $2 per person for a tour, feeding, and /or walking experience with the alpacas.  
• For groups of 10 or more, the farm will offer a tour, 30-minute fiber-spinning demonstration, and the opportunity to create a simple alpaca fiber craft.  Advance registration is required for this group experience and there is a suggested donation of $4 per person.  
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

 

Alpaca Play Pen, LLC

10869 Bowen Road, Attica, NY 14011

(585) 591-2520

www.AlpacaPlayPen.com

Handmade alpaca items and custom orders are their specialty! From the pasture to you -- purchase goods such as socks, hats, sweaters and scarves made from the soft and warm fiber of an alpaca! The folks at the Alpaca Playpen farm enjoy raising these charming animals and creating useful garments. 

How to visit this farm:

• Farm visit by appointment.

• Products and alpacas are available for requested local events. 

Here’s where you’ll find Alpaca Playpen next:

9/21 -- Alpacas and products onsite at Sweet Jenny's on Main Street in Williamsville  

9/22 -- Alpacas and products onsite at Johnny Bears Restaurant in Darien  

9/28-29 -- Products for sale at the AppleUmpkin Festival in Wyoming, NY 

10/5-6 -- Attending the Agricultural Fair at the Genesee Country Village & Museum  

 

Enchanted Forest Alpacas

7477 Selden Road, Le Roy, NY 14482

(585) 768-7219

Enchanted Forest Alpacas in LeRoy was the smallest of the four farms visited (in size – not spirit!), with 11 alpacas. Owner Martha McCutchen grew up on the farm in the house out front, where she used to care for her family’s horses and livestock. Martha is a strong advocate that alpacas are fiber animals – NOT meat animals. She is a member of a fiber guild and Alpaca Breeders of WNY and has alpaca products for sale at the Hobby Horse in Le Roy. 

How to visit this farm:

• Perfect for small groups who want a hands-on experience. Visitors will need to call ahead for the whole package -- a tour, feeding, watching an alpaca video, and creating a felt ball craft. 
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

 

Northwoods Alpacas

6499 North Lake Road, Bergen, NY 14416

(585) 494-1371

www.NorthwoodsAlpacas.com

Northwoods Alpacas in Bergen has 24 alpacas – none of whom like the rain. Apparently, they’ll stand outside in the middle of winter, but even though the moisture can’t reach their skin, they ran for cover when it started sprinkling! Several pregnant alpacas are due in the fall, bringing their total occupancy close to 30. Owners Bob and Belinda Grant aren’t worried. They have plenty of land on their farm for everyone to roam. 

How to visit this farm:

• Northwoods’ can accommodate parking for a bus, as well as larger group tours -- which include petting, feeding, and walking the alpacas. There is a suggested donation of $2 per person and groups get a discount at the onsite store! 
• The upscale store is a cool breath of fresh air from the summer humidity (or a warm spot in the winter!) Sweaters, scarves, hats, blankets, a wall full of socks and yarn, and golf attire fill the stocked space. 
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

 

Triple B’s Alpaca Farm

1892 Sharrick Road, Darien Center, NY 14040

(585) 547-9271

It’s not every day that one gets to see an hour-old newborn alpaca! It was like a scene from “Bambi” – the shaky legs trying to walk, nuzzling close to his mother, and falling into to the grass. That brings the count to 23 alpacas for Triple B’s, with five more due to deliver soon. Since opening in Darien Center in 2006, the Burgess family has been breeding alpacas and caring for them like they do their cats and dogs. 

How to visit this farm:

• The alpacas are visible from the road, roaming the fields that are dedicated just to them. Visits to the Burgess’ are encouraged in all seasons, though spring and summer lend the most accessible conditions. 
• Feeding, walking, and (if you come at the right time of year) watching the alpacas being sheared. A suggested donation of $2 a person helps support a local family farm!

Visit Genesee County Tourism for a complete list of agritourism businesses, or to request the Genesee County Agritourism brochure.

Join us for the first ever Yuengs and Wings Fest. Saturday September 14^th 4-8 p.m. to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance. It's sponsored by T.F. Brown's, Big Pauly’s Pizza and the Yuengling Brewery.

This event will be held on the patio at T.F. Brown's, located at 214 E. Main St., in Batavia. The participating vendors are: T.F. Brown's, Big Pauly's Pizza, Main Street Pizza and Batavia’s Original Pizzeria.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Each vendor will bring their favorite flavored wing. The $10 ticket price gets you three wings from each vendor -- so 12 wings for $10. We will donate $5 from each ticket to a local charity.

Live music on the patio during the event, with $2 cans of Yuengling Lager and Light Lager. Music entertainment provided by the Strummerz, and Rich Conroy from 4 – 8 p.m. The evening entertainment is Brent Persia.

Yuengs & Wing Fest is sponsored by T.F. Brown’s, Big Pauly’s Pizza and Yuengling Brewery. Proceeds will benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance.

MoonJava Cafe will host a book signing for new sci-fi author, Kelda Wells and her first book, "The Whole Story." This one-time event will take place on Thursday, September 19th from 2 to 7 p.m.

With her first novel, Ms.Well's book dives into the complexities of time and space exploration as well as spinning a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge until the very end. The book is available as paperback, hardcover and e-book.

MoonJava cafe is located on 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, NY.

For more information please call (585) 356-3817. Vist us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Moonjavacafe

Join us for a tea party on September 21st at 11 a.m. The courtesy of a reply is requested by September 13 due to limited seating. For tickets please call or visit us online at: www.SweetEcstasyBakery.com. We're located at 201 E. Main St. -- Batavia (Bank Street Entrance). (585) 813-3652

 

Click here to Like Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath on Facebook and register for the contest.

IR Systems DIRECTV BATAVIA wants you to know that WE ARE... The Official DIRECTV HEADQUARTERS to suit all of your television needs!!

• Free Sunday Ticket
• Excellent Customer Service
• Face-to-Face Interaction
• Record up to 5 shows at once
• Have access to over 10,000 movies and shows
• In-home lifetime service plans SUPERIOR to all

Call (585) 345-7428 or stop down at 309 W. Main St., Batavia.
Visit us online: http://wnydtv.com/

Receive a $50 gift card to the RED OSIER when you sign up AND MENTION THIS AD!

 

Join us this weekend for our open house to celebrate our 20th anniversary of being in business, and our 1st anniversary of being in our new showroom! Stop by to see our new 3,000-square-foot showroom of the latest in kitchen and bathroom products. We will have several promotions on cabinetry and countertops that will run thru the month of September!

Refreshments and several door prizes to win all weekend. Sale hours are Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Book your order by the end of September and we'll install it before the holidays!

Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath is located at 5582 E. Main Road, (corner of Fargo Road and Main Street Road) in Batavia. Visit us online at: www.kreativedesignkitchenandbath.com or by calling (585) 345-0012.

Inside your home - Kitchen

• Dishwasher – Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.
• Refrigerator – If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.
• Sink – Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks, and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.

Click headline to read more after the jump:

Bathroom

• Showers and bathtubs – Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors.
• Sinks – Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes.
• Toilets – Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak.

Basement, Laundry or Utility room

• Washing machine – Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least four inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine.
• Water heater – Most water heaters last eight to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.
• Sump pump – Battery-operated back-up sump pumps can help protect against power failure or failure of the primary pump. Test the sump pump before the start of each wet season. Sump pumps are not intended to last more than 10 years and must have some components replaced or serviced within those 10 years.

Since water may still come through an overflowing drain or cracks in the foundation walls, make sure items stored in the basement are kept off the floor. Furniture should be on casters or shims and arranged away from floor drains.

Stopping leaks at the source

• Check for hidden leaks. First, turn off faucets and all water-using appliances, and don’t flush toilets for one hour. Then, record the water meter reading. If the flow indicator (triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading has changed while no water is being used, a leaking pipe may exist.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Check it frequently for problems, and shut off the water if you will be away from your home for several days or longer.

Outside your home - Roof

• Keep the roof free from leaves, twigs, and other litter to allow for proper drainage. 
• Make sure air can flow freely through all soffit and roof vents. This will reduce the buildup of heat and moisture and help extend the life of the roof.
• Consult a professional on using a preservative or cleaner (depending on the type of roof you have) to help limit the weathering effects of moisture and retard growth of molds and mosses.
• Keep trees trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against the roof or providing excessive shade.
• Replace missing, curling, cupping, broken, or cracked shingles.
• Watch for damage in valley areas of the roof, and around the flashing at chimneys, vents, and other junctions.
• Check your attic around flues, plumbing vents, and chimneys for roof leaks, especially if you’ve noticed water stains on the ceiling.

From the gutters to the ground

• Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts, and inspect them regularly. Think about installing gutter shields if your gutters frequently fill with debris.
• Place splash blocks at the end of downspouts to carry water away from the foundation, or add an extra length of downspout if necessary.
• Every spring, have the air conditioning (A/C) system serviced by a qualified contractor. Make sure their service includes inspecting and cleaning the A/C condensation pan drain line. Change the air filters on a regular basis.
• Before winter starts, disconnect garden hoses from all spigots and turn off each spigot’s water supply.
• Replace any damaged caulk around windows or doors.
• Repaint wood siding as needed.
• Fill in any low spots next to the house to help water drain away from the foundation.

Hardware that can help

Even after taking the preventions we’ve discussed here, check frequently around the house for signs of leaks. It’s important to find them before they cause serious damage. Of course, it’s impossible to keep watch for signs of trouble 24 hours a day. Fortunately there are water leak detection systems that can help.

Water alarms

• These systems are usually battery-operated, stand-alone units. The moisture sensor on the device will sound an alarm when it senses moisture.
• Water alarms are inexpensive and easy to install. They can be placed on the floor or mounted on a wall. They should be located in high-risk areas such as under sinks and near appliances and equipment that use water. 
• This device can help only if someone is inside the home, hears the alarm, and takes action. 

Individual appliance systems

• These systems are installed on a specific appliance and will automatically shut off the water supply in case of a leak. 
• Depending on the type of device, you may be able to install this system without any special tools. However, in some cases, a qualified plumber may be needed.

Whole-house systems

• These systems feature a shut-off valve that is installed on the main water supply pipe. When a leak is detected, the system will automatically shut off the entire water supply.
• If you travel often, this type of system could help you rest assured while you are away from home.
• Whole-house systems typically take between four and six hours to install and a qualified plumber is normally required. For a product list, visit statefarm.com®

For more information on how to prevent water damage and improve home safety, please contact Mark Lewis at State Farm® at (585) 343-4959 or visit us online at: www.marklewisagency.com.

To keep up on all the latest information about the upcoming Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala and Auction in support of the Child Advocacy Center, like the event's Facebook page. Like the page and complete the contest registration form and you will be eligible to win a $100 gift certificate from City Slickers. Click here to like the page and enter the contest.

Local business adding new services!

Local businessman Eric von Kramer is adding new services to complement his low-pressure roof cleaning business. We will now be offering low pressure house washing, gutter clean-out and gutter whitening.Our main business remains low-pressure roof cleaning to safely melt away the black streaks, algae and moss, that is often seen on area roofs.

This problem is caused by a hearty form of airborne algae that actually feeds off the limestone in shingles. We use the low-pressure process recommended by the shingle manufacturers. The results are immediate and stunning and all work is guaranteed.

It is seldom necessary to use a high pressure washer to clean vinyl, aluminum or painted wood siding, von Kramer states. Our low pressure cleaning is designed to gently clean without damaging your roof or siding. Our patented gutter whitening will bring your gutters back to the "like new" look! We can also clean out the tennis balls, Frisbees, and little maple trees to keep your gutters and downspouts operating properly. All services are offered separately, but as I have seen on TV, it is usually better to "bundle."

Call for an onsite inspection and price. All work is guaranteed to please. Visit our Web site for more information. www.roofcleaningbatavia.com or call (585) 762-9075 or (716) 474-0938.

Believe it or not, I just finished processing the new members for August -- including those who signed up at Summer in the City (that's how busy I've been the past two or three weeks). With everybody entered into the member database, we're at 198 members.

There's no door prize for being the 200th member, but sign up now and your membership card just might read member #200. 

It's a good time to sign up because we will be sending out membership cards and packages of gift certificates Wednesday or Thursday (except to those who already received gift certificates at Summer in the City, who will just get their cards).

A membership in The Batavian Club helps support and sustain The Batavian. Think of it as a subscription, but instead of getting a paper on your doorstep, you get an envelope mailed to you filled with more than $325 in gift certificates to local businesses.

We appreciate you reading The Batavian every day, but in order for us to grow and improve what do, even just to sustain the business, we need your support. 

To be clear about why we're doing The Batavian Club -- this isn't about selling discounts to businesses, though we do that, it's about reaching out to the people who read The Batavian every day and appreciate what we do, to make a small contribution to help us build a sustainable business. Advertising alone is not enough. We need reader support. Think of this as a voluntary subscription for all the great news you get online from The Batavian.

So, please use the options below and join today.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

We've set up four membership tiers -- Subscribe to the club monthly as one person or as a household, or annually at either of those levels. 

Members receive a membership card, bumper sticker and a package of gift certificates to local businesses. 

It's important to note, this isn't a subscription to read the site. Our stories remain free to read. This is a voluntary subscription with benefits (and we'll add benefits as it grows).

Join via PayPal below, or for annual and one-time memberships paid by check, click here to download this form (monthly, recurring payment memberships must be via PayPal or credit card.) To pay by credit card, use the form, or call (585) 250-4118.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Enter to win the grand prize of a five course gourmet dinner for 10 people with wine pairings. DESIGN YOUR OWN DINNER PARTY -- hosted by: Michael Napoleone Foundation Board of Directors. Prepared by “Chef” Mark Napoleone and Sous Chefs. Limo Service Provided (some distance restrictions).

• WHO:  You and Nine of Your Friends!
• WHEN:  September 21, 2013, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
• WHERE:  An Intimate Home Setting in Batavia.
• TICKET COST:  One Chance for $30 or three for $50.

Drawing will be held at T.F. Brown’s on August 30, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Winners need not be present at time of drawing. All proceeds support the mission of The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, to assist families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis, support research efforts, and assist youth activities in our community. All contributions are tax deductible.

For ticket information, call 585-861-0550 or 585-409-3276. Credit card or Paypal orders accepted on the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation. Visit us online at: www.michaelshope.org

Here at The Yngodess Shop we are celebrating 1 1/2 years of business already! Thank you to all of our new friends and many old ones, too! Cheers!
The Yngodess is located at 73 Main St., in Batavia. 585-343-3170.

This is our 3rd annual fundraiser and reunion event for our local animal shelter. We invite any former resident and supporters of the Genesee County Animal Shelter to come out and join us!

This event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m .at Stan's Harley Davidson located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

List of activities:

*Bring an item from the Animal Shelter's wishlist or a monetary donation -- receive lunch on us (graciously donated by Beds-n-Bones Pet Lodge & Frank Penna Catering)
*Microchipping for Dogs and Cats $30
*Obedience training with Fort Hyde Kennel
*Professional photos taken of your pets
*50/50 Raffle
*Pick-your-prize Raffle
*Pet Photo contest
*Many Vendors (Dirty Hairy Pet Service, Amy's Fluffy Friends and more!)
*WBTA will be doing a live remote from 11-1
*Bounce house

There will also be a retirement celebration for Genesee County's K-9 unit, Pharoah. Pharoah will be joining us for the day. He will be doing demonstrations with his handler, Deputy Thompson.

We will also be trying to get donantions for the new K-9 unit, Destro, coming to join us in September.

Dear Folks who read The Batavian daily (and there are thousands of you):

We really do need your support. We're asking you to sign up for a voluntary subscription (we call it The Batavian Club), and for your support we promise to keep bringing you local news every day (and if enough of you join, expand on it) and send you more than $325 in gift certificates to local businesses.

It's a great way to support your favorite local news site.

If you join now, bring your PayPal receipt to Summer in the City tomorrow for a free gift.

To be clear about why we're doing The Batavian Club. This isn't about selling discounts to businesses, though we do that, it's about reaching out to the people who read The Batavian every day and appreciate what we do, to make a small contribution to help us build a sustainable business. Advertising alone is not enough. We need reader support. Think of this as a voluntary subscription for all the great news you get online from The Batavian.

So, please use the options below and join today.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

We've set up four membership tiers -- Subscribe to the club monthly as one person or as a household, or annually at either of those levels. 

Members receive a membership card, bumper sticker and a package of gift certificates to local businesses. 

It's important to note, this isn't a subscription to read the site. Our stories remain free to read. This is a voluntary subscription with benefits (and we'll add benefits as it grows).

Join via PayPal below, or for annual and one-time memberships paid by check, click here to download this form (monthly, recurring payment memberships must be via PayPal or credit card.) To pay by credit card, use the form, or call (585) 250-4118.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

SJS Launches Fund Raising Campaign! Also Calling for Alumni Nominations.

Batavia, NY – St. Joseph Catholic School is pleased to announce the establishment of the All Apostles’ Society, an annual giving society aimed at creating sustainability for the school. Alumni Tom and Jean Lichtenthal have agreed to act as honorary co-chairs for the campaign, which hopes to raise $50,000 by the end of the year.

With the closing of Holy Family School in Le Roy last year, the school has swelled to 300 students from 14 school districts and four different counties. While enrollment remains strong, school officials would like to guarentee the school remains viable for years to come. Principal Karen Green believes the time is right for the school to kick off this initiative.

“We have tremendous support from the church, our families and staff, and the community at large but we want to take steps now to ensure that St. Joe’s will be a vibrant part of the community for years to come,” Green said.

The campaign will be led by Development Director Chad Zambito and supported by the school’s advisory committee including Bryan Winters, a former Holy Family supporter that has made the transition to St Joe’s.

“It was difficult for us to witness the closing of Holy Family but we are very happy with St. Joe’s and want to make sure that parents in Genesee County and the region have an option to provide a Catholic education for their children,” Winters said.

The Lichtenthals both attended St. Joe’s and sent their three children to the school as well.

“St. Joe’s teaches so much more than academics, it gives these children a solid foundation of knowledge, morals and values that they can build on for the rest of their life," Tom said. “We have been involved in committees and fundraisers in the past and are looking forward to helping the school take another step toward sustainability.”

The campaign will kick off with a reception at T.F. Brown’s in Batavia on Aug. 22.

Meanwhile, officials have announced that the 54th annual Popcorn Ball will be held on Oct. 26 and will feature a “Corks and Forks” theme. Nominations are now being accepted for Outstanding Alumni awards.

For more information about the All Apostles’ Society or the Popcorn Ball, call 343-6154 or visit www.sjsbatavia.org.