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Youth Bureau

Local youths lobby for Albany's support

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with youth representing the Batavia City Youth Bureau, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Orleans County Youth Bureau along with staff from the Batavia City Youth Bureau and the Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau.

Press release:

Earlier this month, local youth from Genesee and Orleans County met with Senator Ranzenhofer, Senator Ortt and Assemblyman Hawley to get supprt by investing money in the Youth Bureau System. The youth asked for help in urging the $1.7 million to be restored for the 2017-2018 Youth Bureau Development Program.

The Youth Development Program allows youth bureaus, along with many other community based organizations to operate after school prevention programs, which help youth succeed. The youth all shared their experiences being involved with the Youth Bureau System and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Youth Board seeking nominees for annual awards

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth Boards are looking for nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Banquet. There are three awards presented at the Youth Recognition Banquet:

· Youth Recognition Award — This award recognizes young people who have performed exceptional service to the community and/or have assumed extraordinary roles in their families. Typically, the best candidates for this award are high school students, but we also know there are 12-, 13-, 14-year-olds who exemplify distinctive qualities of service. Several youth will be recognized; however the Youth Boards reserve the right to limit the number of recipients.

· Adult Volunteer — This award recognizes an adult who provides service as a volunteer to youth in Genesee County.

· Adult Youth Worker — This award recognizes a youth service professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.

Recipients will be honored at the Youth Recognition Banquet on March 30. Nominations are due by Wednesday, Feb. 15. For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 or youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us. The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website, www.co.genesee.ny.us.

Applications now open for Youth Lead program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County sophomores, juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program. 

We are currently recruiting our fifth class and are looking for 15 youth representing our nine high schools who would like to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of the community and resources therein. Genesee Youth Lead is designed to help our youth assess their strengths, weaknesses and potential for personal and intellectual growth. We provide the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills by being a part of a team, the community and by hands-on learning within the county. This fall students were able to take field trips, speak directly with government officials, and so much more.

The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College & Genesee County Youth Bureau beginning March 18th at GCC with a Meet & Greet and then class to follow. The class sessions are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturdays; March 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 22, 29, and May 6 and 13. The program will cost $55 and the students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. The areas of the community to be explored during the fall program are Government & Law Enforcement, Health & Human Services, and Agriculture. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau. 

Applications for the program will only be accepted until Feb. 24th and can be found at:http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/. Please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585)344-3960 or at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us.

GC Youth Lead Program seeks participants for fall class, application deadline is Sept. 21

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer local sophomores, juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program. 

We are currently recruiting our fifth class and are looking for 15 youth representing our nine high schools who would like to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge on the community and resources therein.

Genesee Youth Lead is designed to help our youth assess their strengths, weaknesses and potential for personal and intellectual growth. We provide the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills by being a part of a team, the community and by hands on learning within the county.

This fall students were able to take field trips, speak directly with government officials, and so much more. The areas of the community to be explored during the fall program are Government & Law Enforcement, Health & Human Services, and Agriculture.

The Youth Lead Program will take place at GCC & Genesee County Youth Bureau beginning Oct. 15that GCC with a Meet & Greet and then class to follow. The class sessions are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays:

  • Oct. 15, 22, 29
  • Nov. 5, 12, 19;
  • Dec. 3 and 10.

The program costs $55 and students will earn one college credit through GCC. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau. 

Applications for the program will only be accepted until Sept. 21 and can be found at: http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/.

Please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585)344-3960 or at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us.

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for host site agencies, get details Wednesday morning at Senior Center

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been notified that our AmeriCorps application has been approved for another year of funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

As a result of this good news, we have begun planning for year 13 of our program, which will start on Oct. 1. As part of this process, nonprofit and government agencies are invited to attend an information session to receive details about AmeriCorps.

Presentations are being held at the Hoag Library in Albion on July 25, the Wyoming County Agriculture and Business Center in Warsaw on July 26 and the Genesee County Senior Center, located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wedensday, July 27.

Organizations have utilized AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments include activities that fall under one or more of these focus areas: healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth, environmental stewardship education and agency capacity building. Host sites complete a proposal that outlines the duties for each position. Members can create new programs or enhance existing services, and their work can benefit different parts of your agency. 

Proposals requesting members to begin serving this fall are due by Aug. 19. Member recruitment and selection will begin after that date. Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us for more details about the information sessions or to discuss options for your organization.

High school participants wanted for GC Youth Lead Program, deadline to apply is Oct. 5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County sophomores, juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program.  

We are currently recruiting our fifth class and are looking for 15 youth representing our nine high schools who would like to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge on the community and resources therein.

Genesee Youth Lead is designed to help our youth assess their strengths, weaknesses and potential for personal and intellectual growth. We provide the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills by being a part of a team, the community and by hands on learning within the county. Last fall, students were able to take field trips, speak directly with government officials, and so much more.

The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College & Genesee County Youth Bureau beginning Oct. 15th at GCC with a Meet & Greet and then class to follow.

The class sessions are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays; Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3 and 10.

The program will cost $55 and the students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

The areas of the community to be explored during the fall program are Government & Law Enforcement, Health & Human Services, and Agriculture.

Applications for the program will only be accepted until Oct. 5th and can be found at: http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/. Please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585) 344-3960 or at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us

Bicycle safety program offered at city parks on Wednesdays this summer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Police along with the Batavia Fire Department and the Batavia Lions Club are presenting a bicycle safety program to the City of Batavia Parks programs.

Each Wednesday during the summer the police and fire departments will be visiting a park in the City of Batavia where the Batavia Youth Bureau hosts children recreation programs. Remaining dates are: July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3.

Officers will instruct the children on the proper rules of the road for riding a bike and then supervise them through a simulated road course. The fire department inspects bikes and advises the children on the proper care of their bikes.

Along with training, helmets are offered to children who register their bikes or are in need of a helmet. The bike helmets are provided by a grant from the Batavia Lions Club as well as a NYS Grant received by the Batavia Fire Department. The Helmets were purchased by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, of Batavia, at a reduced rate. Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle has also donated its time to help fit children’s helmets for this program.

To find out times and specific parks and dates call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6421.

Mark Your Calendar: Annual Safe Summer Children's Carnival at Falleti Ice Arena is July 28

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County AmeriCorps Program, in collaboration with the Genesee County and Batavia Youth bureaus, is planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival.

It is open to the public and will take place on Thursday, July 28, from 10:15 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St., in Batavia. One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes.

Entertainment by “Charlie and Checkers” is scheduled from 10:15-11 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. Folks from the community should plan to bring a bagged lunch or plan to leave for lunch.

There will also be several community agency booths. There will be a grand prize which consists of two Darien Lake Theme Park Admission Tickets that can be won by visiting the booths.

For more information on the carnival please contact, Cara at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Human Service Committee hears of Youth Court success, and the ageless fun of Halloween

By Billie Owens

Say a middle-school student habitually sasses a teacher and repeatedly winds up in the vice principal's office. Or maybe a teen is often truant from school or acts out in a way that might get him or her in trouble with the law, perhaps already has.

In many cases, there's a voluntary way to make amends and square things with authorities. It's the Genesee County Youth Court -- an alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. The goal is to decrease behavior problems and increase "citizenship skills."

On Tuesday afternoon, the local legislature's Human Service Committee was given an agency review of the Youth Bureau by Director Jocelyn Sikorski, which includes the Youth Court.

She told them that referrals are up. There were 32 last year and there have been 17 to date this year.

With a success rate of 90 percent or better, there are cost savings to the county because this reduces the caseload in the juvenile justice system, Sikorski said.

Eligible young people are referred by either their school or law enforcement. Parents and guardians are involved throughout and everything is kept confidential. Sentencing is individualized and there's no permanent record in the youth’s file or record.

Youths who want resolution through the Youth Court, fill out an application. If approved, the defendant appears before a court of peers.

A "prosecutor" representing school and community interests argues their side and makes a sentencing recommendation. The defense acts on behalf of the teen in question and also makes a sentencing recommendation. A clerk-bailiff maintains court records, administers the oath, and makes sure the court runs smoothly. A panel of three teen judges listen to both sides of the issue and recommends a sentence based on what is heard in the courtroom.

This process gives the wrongdoer a chance to learn from mistakes through early intervention and positive peer pressure.

Those who voluntarily serve in the Youth Court learn about public speaking, group decision making and the justice system.

It began in 2008 and costs about $16,000 a year to run. Funding is provided by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), a component within the U.S. Department of Justice. Chelsea Dillon is the coordinator; she works collaboratively with the Probation Department, law enforcement agencies, the Dept. of Social Services and schools in the county.

Another program administered by the county Youth Bureau is the federally funded "Youth Opportunity Program," an AmeriCorps offshoot, now in its second year here.

The fledgling program enrolls at-risk and formerly incarcerated youth in direct service projects sponsored by AmeriCorps.

"We had a lot of learning in our office," Sikorsky said of the inaugural year. "We're getting better. There are challenges with the youth being served."

Steps are being put in place to prevent problems encountered initially. But through no fault of the county, future funding is not assured for its continuance here or elsewhere.

The federally funded AmeriCorps Program was also reviewed for the committee by Sikorski. It focuses on creating jobs and providing paths to opportunity for young people about to enter the workforce. Through AmeriCorps, participants learn valuable work skills, earn money for education and develop an appreciation for citizenship by working in community service helping others.

Going forward, a concern with the AmeriCorps program is the higher minimum wage of $9.70 an hour in 2017.

"We still will be competitive with that," Sikorski said, because with their education award and their bi-weekly stipend, an AmeriCorps participant makes $9.85 an hour.

"2018...(we) believe that we will struggle to recruit AmeriCorps members with the raise in the state minimum wage, with the money we have to give our AmeriCorps members. Our hands are tied based on that program."

The grant cycle is every 15 months, and Genesee County next cycle runs from October through the end of 2017, when the minimum wage is set to become $9.70 an hour. Each cycle requires a competitive grant application process to secure funds.

"The minimum wage I think will hit us in 2018," Sikorski said.

Committee Chair Rochelle Stein asked if the minimum wage requirement applies to AmeriCorps at all.

"If this is a government program, though, isn't that exempt?" Stein asked. "Because I thought that governments were exempt from the minimum wage increases. I could be wrong."

Sikorski replied: "My understanding is we're exempt (as county government) from the fact that we have to raise the wages to coincide with the raise in the minimum wage. Correct."

County Manager Jay Gsell said "But that may not apply to this program because it's not necessarily with public entities. That's one of those things that you'll have to look at. We'll have to look into that."

Gsell said the minimum wage hike requirements and any future budget impacts on various programs are still being determined.

Regardless of wages, all AmeriCorps members gain an education benefit. A 900-hour volunteer would get, for example, a $2,650 education award upon completion. A parent or grandparent can allocate it to their child or grandchild; you can use it to pay for your own tuition; and, student loans incurred during AmeriCorps participation can be deferred, and no interest will accrue on them.

In another Youth Bureau initiative, Sikorski happily reported that the Kiwanis Club provided $200 to buy "Halloween kits" last October for 90 boys and girls who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to dress up at school or go trick-or-treating in costumes with friends and family. A total of 40 went to children in one of the city's two elementary schools, and 50 went to underprivileged kids in the other.

"Oh, my gosh, it was so much fun!" she said.

The goal is to make this amusing seasonal holiday outreach travel -- next on one side of the county, then the other, then back to the city.

Stein asked about the back-to-school supplies and was told annually, they are able to help between 30 and 50 children with supplies.

Following Sikorski's presentation, the committee agreed to give permission for the Youth Bureau to apply for a grant from the U.S. Tennis Association to fund a summer tennis program. If granted, it would provide $1,900 to pay for a tennis instructor, mileage and some equipment.

Winners announced in city Youth Bureau's 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Youth Bureau sponsored a citywide 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Friday, May 13. Ten teams competed in the double elimination tournament. Teams represented were Youth, Batavia Police, Batavia City Hall and Genesee County Dept. of Social Services.

The Batavia Youth Bureau is planning another tournament later this summer to continue this community event that creates interaction between youth and public servants.

Below are photos (submitted, IDs from left) of the first-, second- and third-place teams and the Youth Team playing the Batavia Police/City Hall Team.

First Place: Malachi Chenault, Trenton MaGraw, Dakota Irvin and Jordan Thomas.

Second Place: Luqman Baity, Ally Luckenbach and Alex Nesbeth.

Third Place: Anthony Garcia, Juan Claudio, Nashiem Harris (not pictured -- Jeff Redband).

(Names not provided.)

Eighth- through 11th-graders invited to learn about court system on Law Day May 3

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Calling all eighth- though 11th-graders in Genesee County and any other individuals interested in Youth Court! On Tuesday, May 3, Genesee County Youth Court will be celebrating Law Day from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to show the community how our court operates.

Applications and brochures will be available along with program staff to answer questions for anyone who is interested in joining.

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. There are three youth judges who listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition. The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.

Youth Court members learn about the judicial process and law enforcement, group decision making and they get to develop their public speaking skills, participate in a great leadership opportunity, and learn and participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff. 

Eighth- though 11th-graders who are interested can attend Law Day on May 3 or go online to download an application from the Genesee County Web site www.co.genesee.ny.us, where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. Applications are due by July 29. Interviews of potential candidates will take place in August with the training to begin in October. 

For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Dillon at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

GC Youth Bureau to honor AmeriCorps members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will honor its AmeriCorps members during National AmeriCorps Week, March 5 – 12. All AmeriCorps programs are urged to use this opportunity to celebrate the great things that our members have accomplished, to encourage participation in national service and to thank our community partners for their support of the program.

AmeriCorps members, who must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen, agree to complete a specific number of service hours over a set time period.  Members receive a modest living allowance while serving and upon completion of their commitment qualify for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award can be used to pay for college or graduate school or to repay qualified student loans.

The Youth Bureau received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish an AmeriCorps program beginning in October 2004. Since that time 357 members have been placed at more than 70 host site locations performing a combined total of 258,400 hours of service and earning over $711,000 in education awards.

Members serve at a variety of organizations in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties. Sites include schools, community centers, libraries, county government departments and other human services agencies. Assignments fall under the categories of healthy futures fitness and nutrition education, environmental stewardship and capacity building.

Members are celebrating AmeriCorps Week by writing articles about their experience, creating displays and coordinating service projects for youth volunteers.

Members have been able to explore career options, learn valuable skills, help finance their education and have the satisfaction of knowing that they have made a positive contribution to their community. If you would like more information about serving in AmeriCorps or hosting a member at your agency, contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us.

High school juniors and seniors wanted for GC Youth Lead Program, application deadline is Dec. 18

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program.

The program is focused on developing leadership skills within an individual through each specific session and through hands on experience. The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College beginning Jan. 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held weekly for eight weeks alternating between field trips and class sessions.

The program will cost $55 and students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

Please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions or to obtain an application at (585)344-3960or at youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us. Applications are due on Dec. 18.

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has begun planning for year 11 of our AmeriCorps program, which starts Oct. 1. Agencies in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties use AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments vary by site but all fall under the general categories of healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth, environmental stewardship education for youth and adults and capacity building through volunteer recruitment and expanded use of technology.

Members serve at a variety of non-profit agencies. Organizations currently looking for members are the Le Roy Christian Community Project, Jackson Elementary School, Orleans County Cooperative Extension, Gillam-Grant Community Center, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the Batavia Youth Center. Sites are still being recruited so other options may be available in the near future.

AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen. There is no upper age limit. Members agree to complete a specific number of service hours over a fixed time frame, which cannot exceed 12 months. Three different levels of part-time participation are offered: 900 hours, 450 hours or 300 hours. Members earn a modest living allowance while serving. Living allowance amounts for 2015/16 are: $6,000 (900 hours); $3,000 (450 hours); and $2,000 (300 hours).

At the conclusion of the service term, members also qualify for an education award grant. The education award can be used to cover future college costs such as tuition and books or to repay any federally-backed student loan. Members have seven years after their service ends to spend the education award. Education award amounts for 2015/16 are: $2,865 (900 hours); $1,515 (450 hours); and $1,212 (300 hours). Members age 55 or older when they begin service can transfer the education award to a child or grandchild.

AmeriCorps is a great way to give something back to your community, earn some money, help pay for your college education and gain practical work experience. Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us or further information or to request an application. The application can also be downloaded from the Youth Bureau page on the Genesee County Web site: www.co.genesee.ny.us.

The Batavia Youth Bureau offers summer program and free lunch for children

By Traci Turner

The Batavia Youth Bureau will kick off its annual summer program to provide children with fun activities and a nutritious lunch next week.

The free summer recreational program runs weekly from July 6 to Aug. 16 at five locations in Batavia. The locations are Lions Park, Williams Park, Lambert Park, Farrall Park and John Kennedy School. Children ages 6-14 who live in the city or the town can participate in the program.

According to Toni Funke, program coordinator at Batavia Youth Bureau, approximately 500 children attend the program every year. Funke thinks the program is a great opportunity for children to engage in activities including crafts, games and field trips as well as receive a healthy meal at lunchtime. 

The meals are sponsored by the Niagara County Youth Bureau. The menu varies daily and each meal comes with fruit, milk and juice.

Although the recreational program is for children, youth ages 18 or younger can receive a free lunch at any of the five locations.

The Batavia Youth Bureau will be holding an open house at 5:30 p.m. on July 1 at Lions Park for parents who want to pre-register their child for the recreational program. However, parents can register their child at any time during the program.

Photo: Community Garden open house

By Howard B. Owens

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The Burke family were among the local residents who came out this morning for the community garden open house at the Batavia Youth Bureau. Master Gardener Bob Gray explained how the program worked. The Burkes are Scott, Jennifer, Lilyana and Noah. Denise Young also helped with the open house.

Collins announces $130K for Genesee County Youth Bureau

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that the Genesee County Youth Bureau has received nearly $130,000 in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).  

This grant will put 34 AmeriCorps members on the ground to work with the Youth Bureau and several nonprofit and government agencies to provide fitness, nutrition and environmental education programs in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been operating an AmeriCorps program since 2004.

“Congratulations go out to the Genesee County Youth Bureau for receiving this competitive grant and continuing to provide children and teens in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties with critical programs,” Congressman Collins said. “I also want to thank AmeriCorps members for answering the call to serve. AmeriCorps members are an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve. Citizen service is an essential part of the solutions to many of the challenges our communities face.”

The current year’s AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive. The 2014 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, and disaster services.

AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at 25,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the AmeriCorps program. Since 1994, more than 830,000 Americans have provided more than 1 billion hours of service addressing critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the school dropout crisis.

City Youth Bureau to host annual Earth Day event May 10 at Austin Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In an effort to educate students and the community on recycling, conserving energy, and going “green” in general, the City of Batavia Youth Bureau is sponsoring its Annual Earth Day event at 9 a.m. on May 10 at Austin Park. School and community groups, as well as the community at large are invited to participate.

Local agencies will set up booths and interactive displays for the participants to visit. The students will also receive giveaways at some of the booths. After folks have visited all of the booths, school/student groups will be sent out to clean a park or an area within the city. We will then meet back at Austin Park and each of the students in attendance will plant their own seedling to take home. Everyone is then invited to a pizza lunch. The event will conclude at approximately 12:30 p.m..

If you would like more information on Earth Day or would like to participate, call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6420.

Photos: 18th Annual Youth Recognition Awards

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County and City of Batavia youth boards hosted the 18th Annual Youth Recognition Banquet at Terry Hills on Thursday night.

The 2014 Community Pride Award went to the Pembroke Girls Basketball Team (above) for their role in promoting and participating in the schools annual Pink Game, which has raised more than $22,000 over the past three years for Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

Paul Berardini, owner of Big Pauly's Pizza, received the Business of the Year Award, for Big Pauly's support of youth-oriented causes in Batavia. The award was presented by Chelsea Dillon.

There were 17 high school students honored for their contributions to the community. They were (not all pictured and not in order): Tyler Barrett, Kayla Casper, Emily Chavez, Nathan Cornell, Chloe Dana, Marilyn Deni, Victoria Gallup, Makaela Kitcho, Alexandra Lacey, Connor Logsdon, Adrien Marzolf, Bryan Moscicki, Andrew Mullen, Elisabeth Pike, Jacob Prospero, Bryce Rogers, Emily Vandenbosch and Bailee Welker.

Donna Lander received the Adult Volunteer Award. She is pictured with her daughter.

Cathy Brown and Frank Baucaglia received Adult Youth Workers awards.

County and city youth boards announce nominations open for recognition awards

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County & Batavia City Youth boards are extending an extra effort to let the community know just how outstanding our local citizens can be. A Youth Recognition Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 3. This event is an opportunity to thank select individuals for their service to the community.

Awards are given in three separate categories. The Youth Recognition Awards are presented to those youth who have performed an outstanding service for their community, and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families. The Adult Youth Worker Award is given to a Genesee County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations. The Adult Volunteer Recognition Award is presented to an adult who serves the youth of Genesee County in a volunteer setting.

A community-wide mailing with nomination forms and instructions was conducted. Forms can also be accessed by visiting the Genesee County Web site www.co.genesee.ny.us and clicking on “Youth Bureau. All nominations are due by Feb. 24.

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