“I’m a big supporter of the library,” he said.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted in favor of H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024; H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; H.R. 8038, the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act; and H.R. 3602, the End the Border Catastrophe Act. These bills will support Israel, strengthen our national security, deter our adversaries, and secure our borders.

H.R. 8034, which allocates $26.38 billion for Israel passed the House by a vote of 366-58.

H.R. 8036, which allocates $8.12 billion to counter communist China, passed the House by a vote of 385-34.

H.R. 8038, which will implement strong sanctions and policies to counter Iran, China, and Russia, and ban TikTok, passed the House by a vote of 360-58.

H.R. 3602, which would have implemented many of the policies included in H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, failed to pass the House via suspension by a vote of 215-199.

"President Biden has repeatedly failed to support our allies, fueling our adversaries and projecting weakness on the international stage, making it imperative that House Republicans provide strong and resolute leadership," said Congresswoman Tenney. 

"This week, the House demonstrated the necessity of supporting our allies while providing single-subject spending bills that restore regular order. This is essential to providing transparency and oversight to our legislative process.”

"In order to support Israel, our greatest ally, we must continue to provide them with the resources they need to defend themselves against Iranian-backed terrorist organizations. Iran's recent drone and missile assault demonstrated the Iron Dome's state-of-the-art capabilities. If it weren't for this technology, Iran's attack would have been catastrophic. This legislation allocates $4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems to continue defending Israel from attacks. The United States must also continue to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s increased aggression and ensure a robust regional deterrence. The CCP continues to enhance its intelligence capabilities, threatening our national security and Taiwan's statehood. I am pleased this legislation included $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure under AUKUS, including investments in dry dock construction and advance procurement for Columbia Class and Virginia Class. We must continue to support Taiwan, whose security is critical to American interests in the region.”

“The 21st Century Peace through Strength Act also includes much-needed enhancements to the Senate’s bill. This legislation bolsters our national security, by including legislation to force the sale of TikTok to protect Americans’ data from China and crack down on their malign influence.”

“Finally, the End the Border Catastrophe Act would finally institute key policies, such as the Remain in Mexico policy and the Migrant Protection Protocols, to secure our Northern and Southern Borders. This bill demonstrates House Republicans' continued commitment to reversing the disastrous Biden policies that have allowed 9 million illegal aliens to cross our borders. While some of my Democratic colleagues crossed the aisle to support this commonsense bill, I am disappointed that the overwhelming majority of Democrats stood by the Biden Administration’s failed policies. Rest assured, the House Republican Majority will continue to do everything in our power to protect our communities and secure the border.”

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners.  There will also be a selection of houseplants. The plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds, please.

Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates, and a variety of themed baskets. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m. Gently used garden books will also be for sale.

Our garden shed sale was so popular last year, that we’re doing it again!  We’ll have an assortment of gently used or maybe never used, gardening items such as containers, tools, signs, and garden decor. This will be set up in the parking lot area near the garden shed.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test. A half-cup sample of your garden soil in a clean container is needed for the test. 

Master Gardeners will also be available to answer your gardening questions.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items.  Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, 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 Master Gardener program updates https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press Release:

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., along with the Genesee County Legislature and all emergency first responders, recognize these public safety professionals for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service. The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation recognizing April 14 – 20, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week.

Emergency Services 9-1-1 Dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year for police, fire and emergency medical personnel and the public in time of need. 

Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. In many instances, Dispatchers make the difference between life and death. 

Typically, over 80,000 events are dispatched yearly, a daily average of 219, and over 100,000 telephone calls are handled, which is an average of 273 calls per day. 

The Genesee County Emergency Services Dispatch Center is comprised of 23 men and women who dispatch to 5 local police agencies, the New
York State Police, 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service, 3 ambulance services, as well as 41 other local, county, regional, state, and federal agencies.

“Everyday citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 Dispatchers. They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency; and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call. 

They are to be recognized and commended during this very special week. I would like to personally extend my sincere appreciation for their hard work and dedication. They are truly unsung heroes in our community,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

The Batavia Society of Artists is having its Spring Member's Art Exhibit for the month of May at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia. 

Free opening reception in the Gallery Room on Tuesday, May 7 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. 

The Judge is Jill Pettigrew and the winners will be announced at 7 p.m. The Virginia Carr-Mumford Scholarship will be awarded then to GCC student Kathryn Blankenship. 

Light refreshments will be served. Please come and enjoy this Free Art Show, all are welcome! 

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide New York a historic investment of $129 million for lead service line replacement through New York’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act he championed. Schumer said this is a major boost for New York’s long-term effort to replace lead pipes and will provide the federal support for efforts to provide cleaner, safer drinking water across the state.

“There is nothing more important than keeping New York drinking water safe for our children and families. Now, thanks to my Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, a major $129 million is flowing to replace potentially toxic lead pipes across the state,” said Senator Schumer. 

“No amount of toxic lead exposure is safe for our children, which is why I led the charge in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deliver the funding to get the lead out. This is only the latest in those efforts to bolster the clean and safe drinking water our communities need, all while creating a steady stream of good-paying jobs. I will continue to fight until not one lead pipe remains in New York.”

Schumer explained the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act makes the single-largest investment ever in U.S. water infrastructure. In total, the bill includes over $50 billion for the EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs, including $15 billion specifically for Lead Service Line Replacements. 

Specifically, the EPA announced today it will provide New York over $129 million for its Drinking Water SRF Lead Service Line Replacements. SRFs provide below-market rate loans and grants to fund water infrastructure improvements in municipalities across the state. 

Importantly, Schumer fought for a lower state cost share for the early years of this funding and for 49% of the money to be administered as grants and completely forgivable loans, ensuring New Yorkers can get the most out of this funding. More details on today’s announcement can be found here.

Earlier this year, New York received $420 million from the EPA for New York’s Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) to help modernize and clean the state’s water systems. Today’s funding announcement brings NYS’s total BIL water infrastructure funds to well over $1.2 billion, with $358,437,000 of that funding specifically for LSLR.

Six Flags Darien Lake, The Thrill Capital of New York, will host a spring hiring event Friday and Saturday in the Employment Center. 

Candidates can gain immediate interviews and land thrilling jobs in more than 10 diverse departments including rides, food service, aquatics, and more in preparation for Six Flags Darien Lake’s opening on May 17.

Availability & Eligibility:

• Operations: Ride Operations, Park Services (Custodial), Public Safety (Security, EMTs)
• In-Park Services: Food and Beverage Operations, Retail, Attractions
• Guest Experience: Admissions, Guest Relations
• Lifeguards
• Accommodations: Hotel Front Office, Housekeeping, Reservationist
• Landscaping
• Maintenance

How to Apply:

Complete a job application at SixFlagsJobs.com, or Visit the Six Flags Darien Lake Employment Center in person Monday, April 29 – May 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1501 Sumner Road, Corfu.

Applicants should bring their Social Security Card and a current Photo ID with proof of age OR a school ID & Birth Certificate.

Employee Benefits:

• Paid Training
• Free Admission for Employee and a Friend
• Discounts on Food, Beverages, and Retail
• Employee Ride Nights
• Employee Exclusive Events

Applicants with employment-related questions can call 585 599 5108. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/darienlake.

The Batavia Players production of “Evita,” hitting the 56 Main Theater stage this weekend, is high energy, said director Pat Burk.

There is nonstop singing and frequent dancing, and the main character, Kristen Gelia's Eva Peron, has 15 costume changes.

"Evita is very tough because she's rarely offstage," Burk said. If she's offstage, it's for 30 seconds. She literally sings over half the score, so it's a very difficult role. You need a strong voice, strong acting skills, and the ability to be very quick, manipulate, and move quickly."

When Arron Brown, a sixth-grade teacher from Pembroke Intermediate School, heard about an opportunity to get money for their school to plant trees, he knew he had to see what it was all about.

Arron applied for a grant through the New York State Urban Forestry Council and was selected to receive $500 for his school to purchase trees. He decided on two trees to plant in celebration of Arbor Day (the last Friday of April). 

“I chose the red maple tree because they are strong and resilient, just like the district is helping them to grow up to be. I also chose a Japanese cherry blossom for its beauty and positivity. If the students are having a bad day they can come look at the tree and think of positive things, like when they all planted the tree this Arbor Day,” said Brown. 

There were two different ceremonies one for the third and fourth grade classes, which planted the red maple tree, and one for the fifth and sixth grade classes, which planted the Japanese cherry blossom.

Students participated in a week-long celebration, where they learned about the history of Arbor Day, the importance of trees, and got creative with a poem contest. 

Students who participated in the poem contest were only given the topic of trees. There was a total of 42 submitted poems. The winners were announced at each ceremony and were awarded a certificate and a Tim Horton's gift card. 

The teachers also awarded a few selected students to help shovel the first scoops of dirt. Students were recognized for their character traits of resilience and caring throughout the year.

Norman Foster, Pembroke Intermediate School Principal, also spoke to the students about how trees play a vital role in our everyday lives and how Arbor Day was recognized in 1972 by former President Richard Nixon who officially made it a holiday.

“Most importantly the students get to remember that they have planted these trees for future students to admire and enjoy,” Brown said.