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Announcements

Winners announced for city fire's second annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department along with the City of Batavia Fire Fighters Union – IAFF Local 896 is proud to announce the winners of our Second Annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest. We would like to thank all of the students who participated in this year’s Fire Prevention Week poster contest.
 
Group 1:
First Place  -   Kaitlyn Bartz  “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives”
                       Jackson Primary School
1st Grade
 
Second Place  -  Anthony Kopper “Working Smoke Alarms save Lives”
                           John Kennedy School
2nd Grade
 
Third Place  -  Emmeline Bateman “Go to Your Outside Meeting Place”
                       Jackson Primary School
                       1st Grade

Group 2:
First Place  -   Violet March “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives”
                       St. Joseph's School
                       3rd Grade
 
Second Place  -  Katelyn Kowalski “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives”
                           St. Joseph's School
                           3rd Grade
 
Third Place  -  Kaitlyn Landers “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives”
                       St. Joseph's School
                       3rd Grade
Group 3:
First Place  -   Sophie Fulton “Smoke Alarms Matter”
                       Batavia Middle School
                       5th Grade
 
Second Place  -  Alyssa Koladzinski  “Check Your Smoke Alarm Every Month”
                           Batavia Middle School
                           5th Grade
 
Third Place  -   Amber Fitzsimmons “Fire Alarms Save Lives”
                        Batavia Middle School
                        5th Grade
 
The 1st Place winner of each group will receive a ride to school on a City Fire Engine. A luncheon will be on held Saturday, Nov. 1st from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Fire Station on Evans Street for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Congratulations to all of the student winners!

Ramparts Homecoming is Saturday at Falleti, theme is 'Pink in the Rink' in support of cancer aid

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This Saturday, Nov. 1, is Homecoming for the Batavia Ramparts Youth Hockey Association. The theme of this year’s event is “Pink the Rink.” Special festivities start at 9 a.m.

Games start at 10 and our State qualifying Midget 16U team plays at 8 p.m. against Rochester Youth for 1st place in the division.

According to the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association, (GAHA) parent organization of the Batavia Ramparts, all of the Batavia Ramparts youth hockey teams playing home games will be showcased. Games will be played at all levels all day long so please join us at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St., Batavia for some great hockey.

There will be basket raffles and a photo booth for all to partake in. Each team can make a “team” poster and it is a fun day for the players to show the community how much they love their sport.

As part of our theme – “Pink the Rink” – each team is encouraged to wear pink, along with their families and fans. GAHA will be having two special fundraisers, selling pink items, to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. It's a community-based, volunteer organization dedicated to assisting cancer patients and their families. They strive to improve the quality of life while helping to diminish suffering through their services and financial support. Genesee Cancer Assistance provides services to residents of Genesee County with any type of cancer.  All monies raised stay in Genesee County.

GAHA is a local organization that depends on the local community. In that light, we want to set the example to our players of “giving back.” Our organization doesn’t exist without the support of the community and it’s families so we want to show the importance of giving back and raising funds for a local volunteer organization.

GAHA has been providing the youth of our communities an opportunity to play hockey for more than 35 years. With teams at all levels -- Empire, WNY and MOHL, along with a beginners program -- we offer something for every age child who wants to play. Don’t go through life without goals – play hockey!

Fall Open House at GCC is Nov. 11

By Billie Owens

An Academic Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. – noon at the main campus of Genesee Community College in Batavia. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register at www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or by calling 866-CALL-GCC.

Representatives from nearly every academic major will be on hand to speak with students, parents and other family members during an Academic Fair from 9 to 10 a.m. GCC offers more than 60 academic programs of study in a wide variety of career fields from business to teacher education, criminal justice to creative arts, including a brand new degree in Food Processing Technology.

After the Academic Fair, visitors will have a chance to hear a short presentation about Financial Aid, and representatives from numerous student service groups and clubs will have their tabletop displays setup in the hallway of the Conable Technology Building. Among the groups ready to share information and answer questions will be Admissions, Online Learning, Transfer Services, Career Center, College Village-GCC's residential living community, Student Activities, Athletics, Center for Academic Progress, Counseling Services and the Cheer/Dance Team. Students and parents can get answers to all their questions and enjoy a full campus and College Village tour.

Genesee Community College works to provide convenient learning options for students of all ages. Students can take classes at the main campus in Batavia or at one of our six campus center locations in the four-county GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region. In addition, GCC has a robust online program with many degrees and courses offered fully online or in a hybrid format.

For a complete listing of GCC's Spring 2015 course schedule featuring hundreds of courses, go to http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/

Fall Open House at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Mark your calendars and don't miss a chance to see everything Genesee Community College has to offer. An Academic Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. – noon at the main campus in Batavia. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register at www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or by calling 866-CALL-GCC.

Come with questions ready. Representatives from nearly every academic major will be on hand to speak with students, parents and other family members during an Academic Fair from 9 to10 a.m. GCC offers more than 60 academic programs of study in a wide variety of career fields from business to teacher education, criminal justice to creative arts, including a brand new degree in Food Processing Technology.

After the Academic Fair, visitors will have a chance to hear a short presentation about Financial Aid, and representatives from numerous student service groups and clubs will have their tabletop displays setup in the hallway of the Conable Technology Building. Among the groups ready to share information and answer questions will be Admissions, Online Learning, Transfer Services, Career Center, College Village-GCC's residential living community, Student Activities, Athletics, Center for Academic Progress, Counseling Services and the Cheer/Dance Team. Students and parents can get answers to all their questions and enjoy a full campus and College Village tour.

Genesee Community College works to provide convenient learning options for students of all ages. Students can take classes at the main campus in Batavia or at one of our six campus center locations in the four-county GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region. In addition, GCC has a robust online program with many degrees and courses offered fully online or in a hybrid format.

For a complete listing of GCC's Spring 2015 course schedule featuring hundreds of courses, go to http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/

The WNY Tech Academy to host Fall Informational Nights

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The staff of the WNY Tech Academy, the new six-year regional high school will be hosting three informational sessions during the first week of November.

The WNY Tech Academy is a six-year Early College High School, supporting students, grades 9-14. We serve 13 school districts in the Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming county area and are funded through a New York State Pathways to Technology Grant.

The Academy’s curriculum places a strong emphasis on both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills and essential “soft-skills,” with the goal of preparing students for high-skill, financially stable careers in growth industries.

Students attending the WNY Tech Academy will complete all necessary coursework for a New York State Regents Diploma as well as earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting, Supply Chain Management or Food Processing Technology through Genesee Community College – all at no cost.

These sessions will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 4th, 5th, and 6th at Perry Middle School, Batavia Middle School, and Caledonia-Mumford Middle School, respectively. For more information on the WNY Tech Academy please visit wnytechacademy.org.

SADD sponsors dance for middle schoolers at GCC Forum

By Billie Owens

SADD will host a dance for middle schoolers (grades 6 thru 9) inside the Genesee Community College Forum from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24.

Cost is $3 for those who wear red, in celebration of Red Ribbon Week, and $5 for those not wearing red. Drinks and popcorn will be available at a low cost.

All proceeds will go to Genesee Countywide SADD.

For questions or more information contact:

Chelsea Dillon Program Assistant
Youth Court Coordinator
Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau
2 Bank St
Batavia NY 14020
Phone: 585-344-3960
Fax: 585-345-3063

UMMC honors longtime employees at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center honored the years of service of more than 70 employees at its annual recognition dinner on Oct. 1st at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia. Employees were recognized for their years of employment at five-year milestones.

Shirlene Edwards CNA, 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit; Anna Green RNFA, Surgery; and Patricia Young, Medical Records achieved the 45-year milestone. Patricia Cable RN, Health Educator with Healthy Living was honored for 40 years of dedicated service. Celebrating 35 years were Christine Hall RN, Pre/Post Surgery; Gwendolyn Seweryniak RN, Surgery; Joann Matla and Harold Mitchell of the Laboratory Department.

Honored for 30 years of service included Thomas Finn, RN Quality Assurance; Kathleen Heywood RN, 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit; Kathleen Porter RN, Pre/Post Surgery; and Deborah Taylor RN, Emergency Department.

Achieving 25 years were Darcia Barone CNA, and Stacy Culver Pre/Post Surgery; Rosanna Butler RN, 3rd Floor Medical/Surgical Unit; Laurel Carney and Darla Dawson-Decker of Radiology; Mary Ells, Switchboard; Sheri Ferris and Renee Long from Food Service, Jean Hutchinson, Medical Records; and Marylou Townsend RN, Hope Haven.

Those celebrating 20 years of service include Patricia Brunner, Food Service; Sonja Gonyea, Human Resources; Michelle Maniace NP, Corporate Health; Lori Schultz, Patient Accounting; Kathlyn Williams, Hope Haven; Charyl Wood, Radiology; and Diane Ziemba RN, 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit.

There were 50 employees who received recognition for five, 10 and 15 years of service. Each employee received dinner for themselves and a guest, flowers and a gift certificate. Employees with 25 years or more of service were honored individually by their manager and senior leader with a presentation highlighting their contributions.

United Memorial is the largest private employer in Genesee County with approximately 800 employees and an annual payroll and benefit expenditure that exceeded $43.5 million in 2013.

'Fall for Le Roy' to debut on Main Street in the Village - Food, shopping, live music, and more

By Billie Owens

The premiere Fall for Le Roy will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, on Main Street in Downtown Le Roy.

All are welcome for a night out shopping, food and live entertainment, brought to you by local Main Street businesses. Explore what Le Roy has to offer with a variety of open houses and demonstrations -- such as a barn quilt demo.

Find the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/658568870924478/
Contact Jim DeLooze for more information: (585) 768-2402.

Participants include:

  • Le Roy Historical Society
  • Bank of Castile & Tompkins Insurance
  • Hobby Horse
  • Picture This Photography
  • Main Street Fitness
  • Le Roy Hardware
  • Durable Medical Equipment & Supplies
  • 58 on Main
  • Curves
  • Le Roy Athletic Club
  • Nancy Crocker
  • Stella's Bridal Boutiquw
  • Village Fitness
  • McDonald's
  • Baristas at 58 on Main

City's GOP Fall Fundraiser was a success, Republicans urged to get involved

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee held its annual Fall Fundraiser at Terry Hills on Tuesday Oct. 14.

Chairman Bob Bialkowski opened the event and made the introductions.

The event was well attended with Congressman Collins, Senator Razenhofer, Assemblyman Hawley, Legislators Cianfrini and Clattenburg and the six city Republican Councilmen.

Congressman Collins gave an update on the present state of affairs in Washington. Assemblyman Hawley spoke about activities and legislation in Albany.

There was a raffle with many prizes given away.

Any Republicans interested in serving on the committee or running for office please contact Chairman Bialkowski at bbwski@yahoo.com or Tel: 343-4471.

November is National Novel and Nonfiction Writing Month, free GCC class offered Mondays

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join us at Genesee Community College every Monday afternoon in November for National Novel Writing Month and National Nonfiction Writing Month.

Those interested in honing there skills will meet from 1 to 2 p.m. on 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, and 11/24 in room B256 at the Batavia Campus, located at One College Road.

For more information, go to nanowrimo.org or contact:
JoNelle Toriseva, instructor of English
Office: B255
Humanities
Phone: 343-0055, ext. 6627, e-mail jrtoriseva@genesee.edu

BHS seniors will be busy Wednesday making a difference in the community

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tomorrow, Oct. 15th, is the 16th Annual Make a Difference Day. Batavia High School seniors (Class of 2015) will be among those throughout the area volunteering their time at local nonprofit agencies. Their participation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There many ways to contribute, among them are:

  • Habitat for Humanity (2 McKinley Ave.) -- assisting with the construction of the new home site;
  • Batavia Business Improvement District -- cleaning up the streets of Downtown;
  • Genesee County Nursing Home -- running carnival games for the nursing home residents;
  • Batavia ABCD -- raking leaves and other outdoor work, then working in the classrooms with children;
  • NYS Veterans Home -- socializing with residents and participating in entertainment.

Bergen Business and Civic Recognition Dinner is Nov. 1, deadline to buy tickets is Oct. 24

By Billie Owens

The Bergen Business and Civic Association Recognition Dinner is Saturday, Nov. 1, at Bohn's restaurant in the Town of Batavia.

This year’s honorees are Barry Miller, Jim Pascarella, Ken Milner, Alyson Tardy, Fred and Eunice Ely, Triple-O Mechanical and Bergen C Store.

The restaurant is located at 5256 Clinton St. Road. There will be a cash bar starting at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. You may contact Michele Smith (Bergen town clerk) at 494-1121 or Maria Rowland at 721-7721 for tickets.

There are a limited number of tickets; please purchase by Oct. 24th.

GCC's Global Education Committee plans series of events about Brazil

By Billie Owens

Press release:

From the 2014 FIFA World Cup to the 2016 Summer Olympics, the first ever to be held in South America, Brazil has become accustomed to the limelight. The local community will have a chance to learn more about the world's fifth largest country through a series of events planned this academic year at Genesee Community College by the College's Global Education Committee.

"We selected Brazil because our students will be hearing a lot about Brazil. We have students from Brazil. It's a beautiful country and an important player in the global economy," said Committee Member Nina Mortellaro.

Events begin with a lecture by GCC History Professor Charles Scruggs. "Brazil: Beyond Supermodels, Samba and Soccer" is set for Tuesday, Oct. 14, 12:30-2 p.m. in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on GCC's Batavia campus. The event is FREE and open to the public.

"In the past decade we have witnessed a surge in the global stature of Brazil," Scruggs said. "What accounts for this stunning transformation? What challenges linger as the world's fifth largest country attempts to carve out a new role for itself in the 21st Century?"

Scruggs will explore these questions and more, drawing on a range of historical, sociological, economic and political research.

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Global Education Committee presents Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble from SUNY Brockport. With choreography expressing elements of both African and Brazilian culture, Sankofa brings essences of the past into the present. The members represent the rich cultural heritage of Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas and Africa.

Sankofa will perform from 12:30 – 2 p.m. in the Forum on the GCC Batavia Campus. Light refreshments will be served.

The Committee is also planning an authentic Carnaval da Brazil to be held in February. The event will include arts, music, food tastings and more including a demonstration of capoeira (pronounced kap-way-ra), a Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics and music. Students from Academia com Expressão of Rochester will show their skill.

In addition, GCC Faculty will present an "Experience Brazil" travel log in March, sharing their personal insights from visits to the country.

Comment period for Genesee County Sanitary Code open

By Howard B. Owens

Public Notice:

GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH

LEGAL NOTICE

 

INVITATION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Genesee County Board of Health has opened a thirty (30) day comment period on its proposed revisions to the Genesee County Sanitary Code.  The public comment period concludes October 31, 2014.  A copy of the proposed revised Genesee County Sanitary Code can be reviewed during normal business hours at the office of the Genesee County Health Department or at the Department’s website (www.co,genesee.ny.us/departments/health).  Comments can be submitted electronically to health@co.genesee.ny.us  or by mail to:

 

Attn:  Code Comments

Genesee County Health Department

3837 West Main St. Rd.

Batavia, NY 14020

 

The Board of Health will not hold any public hearings during the comment period.  Upon completion of the comment period, the Board of Health will review the submitted comments prior to taking final action.  It is contemplated that final action will be taken at the Board’s November 2014 meeting.

 

Genesee County Board of Health

Alan Barcomb, MD, President  

Museum Quilt Guild's biannual show 'Stitches in Time' is Oct. 17-18 in Alexander

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Museum Quilt Guild will present "Stitches In Time" -- a biannual quilt show on Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held at the Alexander Fireman's Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Road (Rt. 98) in Alexander.

This year's show will feature approximately 280 quilts stitched by 54 guild members. The raffle quilt was designed by Martha Lorshbaugh with help from Alex Hammon, Mary Ellen Ames and Emmy Hartwick. It's a medallion-style quilt featuring both hand appliqué and machine piecing.

Many guild members pieced blocks, and have contributed to the hand quilting. Hand-quilted quilts are becoming more rare, so it promises to become a cherished heirloom for one lucky winner.

As in the past, this year's show will offer a silent auction. All proceeds benefit recreation activities at VA Western New York Healthcare System. Demonstrations, basket raffle and a fabulous boutique where many beautiful handmade items will be available for purchasing.

New this year will be the scrap pool. One dollar will buy as may fabric scraps as you can fit in a provided plastic bag. All the proceeds from the scrap pool will benefit a new women's program at the VA Hopsital.

The quilt show will also host a "traveling quilt show" featuring 20 quilts from quilters across New York State. In 2012 the Quilter’s Consortium of New York State (QCNYS) issued a challenge to its members to create a quilt based on the theme – “Stitching Across New York State – A Quilter’s Perspective.” The 20 quilts shown in this exhibit were professionally judged by Eugenia Barnes; four of our own members entered and two were chosen as winners. This exhibit will travel across New York State through 2015.

Beginner's class for homeschool youth in American Sign Language

By Billie Owens

Independent Living is offering a free beginner's class of American Sign Language in an eight-week session for youth ages 5-15 years old.

The instructor has more than 20 years of experience teaching people of all ages to learn how to sign. This class is geared to homeschool families; siblings of all ages are welcome.

It will be held at 113 Main St., Batavia, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday from Oct. 1st to Nov. 19. The class is free of charge but there is a required book and it costs $10. (Assistance is available to eligible families.)

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411, or e-mail at dbecker@wnyil.org to enroll.

Gordon L. Dibble of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office attends statewide training program

By Billie Owens

Upon completion of the Law Enforcement Division Supervisors Training Program, Gordon L. Dibble of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, left, receives certificate from Chris Moss, president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff of Chemung County Sheriff.

Forty-five law enforcement supervisors from 30 sheriff’s offices around the state attended the 17th annual Law Enforcement Division Supervisor’s Continuing Education Program at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs last week.

As the chief officer in the sheriff’s road patrol division, law enforcement supervisors are responsible for criminal and traffic law enforcement, sex offender management, investigations, and administrative matters for their divisions.

The three-day program, sponsored and organized by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and the New York State Sheriffs' Institute, provides participants with training in the latest advances in law enforcement.

Sessions included: an ICE review and update by Dennis Rau from the NYS Division of Homeland Security; a case study of how to handle a criminal case in the national spotlight by St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells; a review of New York’s Crime Statistics by NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael Green; and a case study of the shooting of Johnson City Police Officer David Smith by Broome County Undersheriff Alex Minor.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation, formed in 1934 to assist sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of services to the public. It comprises all of the elected and appointed sheriffs of New York State.

Visit http://www.nysheriffs.org

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute, Inc., was established in 1979. The mission of the Institute is to assist the office of the sheriff in advancing education in the criminal justice community, preventing juvenile delinquency, developing lawful and productive citizens, and supporting victims of crime and their families.

Visit http://www.nysheriffsinstitute.org

Seventh annual Alpaca Country Trail -- a free day trip for family fun

By Billie Owens

Northwoods Alpacas, located at 6499 North Lake Road in Bergen, is one of four area alpaca farms participating in the seventh annual Alpaca Country Trail on Sept. 27 and 28.

It is the only participant in Genesee County.

Rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. you are welcome to visit these farms located along a 30-mile route.

This free event is part of National Alpaca Farm Days.

Event Date and Time
-

Muller Quaker Dairy and local Edward Jones office support Salvation Army Food Drive

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Muller Quaker Dairy and the local Edward Jones branch office support this year's Salvation Army Food Drive.

Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from Oct. 1 to Nov. 21.

Items needed for the food drive include: Canned fruits and vegetables, beans, instant potatoes, soups, canned meats, speghetti sauce, cereal, pasta and rice.

Proceeds from the drive will benefit the Batavia Salvation Army serving Genesee County.

Third annual 'You are My Sunshine' fundraiser in memory of Azriel Butler is Oct. 18

By Billie Owens

The third annual "You are My Sunshine" fundraiser in memory of Azriel Butler will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Le Roy American Legion Hall. Money raised will be donated to Sunshine Nursery School in Le Roy and to sponsor a student at Fusion Dane Center.

There will be a 5K Run/Walk for $25. If you register before Oct. 6 you will get a T-shirt. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at the Legion Hall. Pre-registration is available from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Le Roy Farmers Market or by contacting these individuals:

Kelly Stalica -- 409-8400

Katie Norstrand -- 409-7313

Sarah Bell -- 813-1281

The event will also feature:

  • Free kids activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Chicken BBQ & Pulled Pork from 12:30 p.m. until sold out ($9 pre-sale / day of $10)
  • Bounce House
  • Face Painting
  • Popcorn
  • Chinese Acution
  • 50/50s
  • Deejay Jimmy B

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