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GCEDC Board to consider approving incentives for three projects on Thursday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for two projects, and consider accepting an application for another project, at its Thursday, Sept. 5, board meeting.

Graham Manufacturing plans to invest $2.03 million across multiple projects at its City of Batavia campus, including expanding the company’s welding school, repurposing an existing 4,000-square-foot structure and construction of a new 8,875-square-foot warehouse.

The company is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions of approximately $210,000.

Provident Batavia LLC is seeking incentives to construct a 13,000-square-foot addition to an existing office, warehouse, and distribution facility leased to SCP Pools in the Town of Batavia. The $1.194 million project would retain 15 jobs in the Town of Batavia and create opportunities for future growth of the company. 

Total incentives are approximately $156,312.

Finally, Six Flags Darien Lake LLC is seeking sales tax incentives of approximately $126,000 for a new $1.575 million 60-foot-tall water ride at the Hurricane Harbor water park in the Town of Darien. The project will help retain 380 jobs at one of the county’s largest sales tax revenue generators.

Thursday's GCEDC Board meeting will take place at its offices at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia at 4 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Video: Connect Day at BMS

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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It's a big step moving from fourth grade to fifth grade when Batavia students enter middle school and find they must now manage getting themselves to multiple classrooms and taking care of their books and belongings in a locker.

To help with the transition, Batavia Middle School hosts Connect Day on the day before classes officially begin, when teachers and eighth-graders help the new kids learn about their new school.

Workshop Sept. 17 for families and friends of those struggling with substance use disorder

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Family Supported Recovery Half-Day Training: A Free Workshop for Family Members and Friends of those with a Substance Use Disorder

Join us for this free, informative, inspiring and educational workshop that has been specifically created for all of those that love someone who is struggling with a substance use disorder.

Taking a strength-based and compassionate approach, this workshop has been designed to support all friends and family in learning how to be a more effective and influential partner in their loved ones ongoing battle with addiction and early recovery. It also respectfully and empathically empowers you to give equal or greater focus to your sense of wellness, satisfaction and health.

Whether you use this information to improve your family relationships and/or choose to apply it to your own recovery, you will walk away with new thoughts, perspectives and skills!

If you are a parent, sibling, spouse, grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult child or friend and you are affected by a loved one's active substance use disorder or simply want to know how to best support your loved one's recovery, then this unique skills based workshop is for you.

Class is taught by Keith Greer or Lori Drescher of the Recovery Coach University. Limited space. Reserve your seat.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Lake Plains Community Care Network 575 E. Main St., Batavia (Eastown Place, near Aldi, next to Family Dollar.)

The class is free. Registration is required by calling 585-345-6110. Please request by class name and date.

The class will be cancelled if less than 10 register.

This event is sponsored by the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse -- GCASA.

Total of 28 volunteer firefighters complete skills refresher course

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Designed to review previously learned skills and improve proficiency, the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus / Interior Firefighter Operations (SCBA-IFO) four-hour refresher is an engine company refresher that combines skills learned in the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program and IFO program into a scenario-based response format.  

Twenty-eight Genesee County fire personnel completed the refresher class held on Aug. 19 at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. 

ALABAMA

  • Richard T. Brunea
  • Ronald Bauer
  • Sidney Eick
  • Aron J. Kehlenbeck
  • Michelle L. Patnode
  • Ryan M. Thompson

DARIEN 

  • Thomas Bieler
  • Jeff Luker 
  • Joe Marino
  • Joseph Murphy 
  • Teresa Tesch

CORFU

  • Dean T. Eck 
  • Glenn Eck
  • Jayden D. Eck 
  • Bruce Fauth
  • Casey Felski
  • Kristen Gaik 
  • James Hale
  • Tyler G. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Ethan J. Librock 
  • Justin S. Rodland 
  • Steven Rodland 
  • Lori Ann Santini
  • Brian Schollard 
  • Dan Smith 
  • Jacob Stiles
  • Megan Stiles 

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

County becomes go-to place for veterans in region seeking assistance

By Howard B. Owens

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The other day, William Joyce, director of Veterans Services in Genesee County, assisted yet another veteran from outside the county with a Veterans Administration issue.

The veteran had been to the VA in Erie County and complained to a fellow veteran about his difficulties and that veteran told him, "Go see Bill Joyce in Genesee County."

The word is getting around, Joyce told members of the Genesee County Legislature, that Joyce does something other Veterans Services officers in other counties don't do: His job.

"In some counties the VSO doesn't want to do his job," Joyce said. "They just want to sit in the director's chair. They don't want to run a full-service office."

In the past year, the Genesee County office had 5,917 contacts with veterans and provided 7,324 acts of client service. While most of the veterans who come through the office are from Genesee County, a growing percentage are from neighboring counties.

"I don't care where you come from," Joyce said. "I'm here to serve veterans and their families."

A trained and experienced VSO is an asset to veterans dealing with an overburdened and bureaucratic Veterans Administration and other government agencies. 

In his department review, Joyce reported that his office has sent 1,540 original compensation/pension claims to the regional office for adjudication. The Buffalo Regional Office currently has a backlog of 2,750 claims and there are more than 650,000 nationally.

Of those, 225,000 have been pending for more than 125 days. The average case in Buffalo has been pending for 135 days. The regional goal is to reduce that wait time to 125 days.

Since May, Joyce reported, 75 cases have been resolved that had been pending for more than a year.

Locally, the office also helped 151 Genesee County veterans apply for property tax exemptions.

The office also works with the Department of Social Services on benefits eligibility for veterans and this can sometimes help reduce the county cost for Medicaid benefits. He said of 92 referrals, 63 veterans or widows qualified for federal VA benefits.

A mentorship program is also helping veterans find jobs and stay out of trouble. Since 2009, 43 veterans have gone through the county's Veterans Treatment Court with no repeat offenders.

The local office is also assisting veterans and their families with interment arrangements at the new veterans cemetery in Pembroke. Construction of the cemetery begins this fall.

With all this activity, legislators asked Joyce how he keeps up. He said if given the choice between adding another VSO or keeping his secretary, he would keep his secretary. She does half the work, he said, and when she's gone, it falls on him to answer phones, make appointments, and complete some paperwork.  

"I can't do without a secretary," he said, while acknowledging county funds are tight so he doesn't expect any additional help.

Reminder: Euchre players, gift cards, raffle baskets needed for 'Fight WITH Ike' event Sept. 14 in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Family, friends and the local community are bonding together again for the Second Annual “Fight WITH Ike” Euchre Tournament & Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Le Roy. The benefit is being held in honor of Batavia resident Ike Styer.

Ike is battling stage 4 brain cancer known as glioblastoma and has been unable to work while undergoing several treatments to fight this aggressive disease.

While he has the everlasting support of his loving wife, Jen and young children, Chastin and Hailey, it’s time to show Ike he also has the support of this great community. You can help by donating or attending this fun, family event.

Donations in the form of themed baskets, gift cards and other prizes are graciously being accepted on or before Sept. 10.

They can be dropped off at Grace Baptist Church -- 238 Vine St., Batavia. Or call for pick up: Linda Styer (585) 813-3351.

All are welcome to attend and show support by joining in the euchre fun, or just taking part in the rest of the festivities.

To name a few, there will be music, a video gaming truck, good eats, and raffles including 50/50, gift cards and hotel stays, and many themed baskets. There will be something for everyone!

  • Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 3 p.m.
  • Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co.  -- 10 Lent Ave., Le Roy
  • Cost is $30 for Euchre, T-shirt, food & festivities OR $20 minimum donation for food & festivities.

Euchre players wanted, call or text: Peggy Paladino (704) 254-4663.

To follow more about Ike’s journey, visit the “Fight WITH Ike” Facebook page.

City fire hydrants to be flushed and tested Sept. 9-10 on East Main, North and Naramore

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 9th and 10th, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of East Main Street, North Street and Naramore Drive.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in temporary discoloration of water in that area.

As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Service Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes.

Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city’s water system, identifies weak areas in the system, removes material that settle in the hydrant, and cleans out the lines. Checking each hydrant improves crew knowledge of hydrant locations.

If you have any questions, or should at any time notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.

Free anti-rabies immunization clinic offered Sept. 19 at Pembroke Highway Department

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department is offering a free Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic on Thursday, Sept. 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pembroke Highway Department, 1145 Main Road (Route 5), Pembroke.

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Voluntary donations are accepted.

You can save time by filling out your registration form before going to the clinic. To do so, click here. If you fill out your registration form in advance, please be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

Fall brings comedy, campy theater, photography and art to GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Most Western New Yorkers are sad to see the summer ending -- but the fall season brings comedian Samuel J. Comroe, finalist on NBC's hit show America's Got Talent, to the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. for a performance of his "I got 99 problems...but a twitch ain't one" tour!

Comroe's comedy, which is for mature audiences only, is based on the trials and tribulations of living with Tourette Syndrome. A native of Los Angeles, he performs widely each year from Las Vegas to San Francisco, at colleges and universities across the country. He also has more than 40,000 subscribers to his YouTube Channel.

Seating is limited and tickets are available now at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

In October, GCC's Forum Players will perform their biggest show of the season -- Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Picture Show! On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Oct. 17, 18 and 19, the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the final performance will be a matinee Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. All four of these performances, which are for mature audiences only, will take full advantage of all the high-tech sound and lighting equipment at the state-of-the-art Stuart Steiner Theatre.

The full scene and costume shops will offer dynamic sets, costumes and the outlandish regalia that Rocky Horror fans look for. The talented and enthusiastic Theater Department is already busily preparing for this performance. For a little extra fun, specially prepared Prop Bags will be available for use during the show for just $5 -- while supplies last -- and can be pre-ordered from the box office. No other props will be allowed in the theater.

Tickets to see Samuel J. Comroe or The Rocky Horror Show at GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket.

To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

Genesee Center for the Arts offers something to appeal to the art lover in everyone and the Fall Season is no exception. The Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery will host the following exhibits to distract and inform your mind, appeal to your senses and evoke a variety of emotional responses.

Artist: Bruce Adams

On display until Sept. 21

"Untitled" -- Adams is best known as a conceptually based figurative painter who references various painting styles. In exploring the act of painting, Adams peels back the layers of meaning inherent in art making and viewing.

Artist: Nigel Maister

On display Oct. 1 - 31

Artist Talk: Oct. 10 at 12:30 p.m. with receptions at 1 and 5 p.m.

"tight. word. lit." -- Through the pairing of unrelated photographic images, Maister creates a narrative both implied and explicit and manifested in emotional, formal, aesthetic, intuitive and intellectual expression, and an evocation of action.

Artist: Heather Jones

On display: Nov. 12 - Dec. 12

Artist Talk: Nov. 14 at 12:30 p.m. with receptions at 1 and 5 p.m.

"M is for Mindful" -- This exhibition highlights acrylic paintings by GCC Professor of Fine Arts, Jones, created as illustrations for the book "M is for Mindful." Including a playful narrative that guides children through an exploration of the themes that shape the way we think and live, "M is for Mindful" is a nature-based ABC/poetry picture book written by Robin L. Flanagan.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is also open during special events as published here. Admission is free. For more information, contact Gallery coordinator Mary Jo Whitman at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6490, or via email: mjwhitman@genesee.edu.

Hawley: DOT scraps planned roundabout at Route 77 and Ledge Road in favor of blinking red and yellow lights

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) has reversed its decision to construct a roundabout at the dangerous intersection of State Route 77 and Ledge Road in the Town of Alabama in favor of a blinking yellow light on Route 77 and a blinking red light on Ledge Road.

The busy intersection is known to be very treacherous, having become a common site for traffic accidents, and is routinely used by tractor-trailers and farm vehicles as a gateway to the western portions of the state.

The Alabama Town Board recently passed a resolution opposing the construction of a roundabout for myriad reasons including cost, the need to build onto nearby private property, and the likelihood accidents would continue.

Hawley backed the town board’s opposition to the roundabout and twice requested that the DOT consider different alternatives to the proposed roundabout. 

“Although I am pleased that the state DOT deferred to the concerns of local citizens and the town board in this case, I hope and pray that all residents take the dangers surrounding this intersection seriously and heed all traffic signals and devices,” Hawley said.

“The proposed roundabout would have cost nearly $1.8 million in taxpayer money, whereas the new lights will cost less than $100,000 and be infinitely less intrusive to nearby residents’ properties and daily commuters. The citizens of Alabama know what works best for their community and I will happily stand behind their decision.”

Northgate church offers upcoming classes, groups and programs for support, fellowship, recovery and more

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church is continually opening its doors to the community and is inviting everyone to their events throughout September and the rest of this year.

In addition to worship services, Northgate offers dozens of volunteer-led small groups, many of which are open to the public. Several groups relaunch in September, including:

GriefShare

A 13-week group designed to help and encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one due to death. The format is a weekly video presentation and discussion time that offers hope and comfort. Find more information herehttp://www.griefshare.org/about. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting Sept. 10th, at Northgate’s North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. There is a $15 cost for workbooks; scholarships available.

DivorceCare

A friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. A new 13-week session begins on Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northgate’s North Campus. There is a $15 cost for workbooks; scholarships available.

Mothers of Preschoolers or “MOPS”

Women who gather together twice a month to share and support each other in the remarkable journey that is motherhood. Meetings consist of relevant speakers, fun crafts, supportive conversations and fellowship. There is always hot coffee and childcare provided at MOPS meetings. Moms can choose a 9 a.m. morning group or a 6:30 p.m. evening group. MOPS is open to all moms with children from birth to their youngest child finishes kindergarten. MOMSNext is also available for moms of school-aged children. They meet every second and fourth Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit northgatefmc.com for more information and to register. Each group has a separate membership fee; scholarships are available.

Celebrate Recovery

Meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 (including any and all holidays that fall on a Thursday, unless there is a serious snowstorm). Our CR leaders guide and assist those of us who are gaining joy and freedom in Christ as we apply the 12-Steps of Celebrate Recovery to the hurts, habits and hang-ups we all struggle with. All are welcome! We believe anyone and everyone would benefit by attending this group, where we take off our masks and allow God to transform our lives. We are able to share openly and honestly about our struggles with people we come to trust, who will maintain confidentiality, and who will not judge us. For more info, click here.

Financial Peace University

The next semester of this nine-week course will be held on Wednesday nights, starting on Sept. 25th from 7-8:30 at the North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia). For more than 25 years, Financial Peace University, created by Dave Ramsey, has helped many people take control of their money. Ramsey’s proven money class will show you step-by-step how to create a budget, pay off your debt, make wise spending decisions, and save for the future. Preregistration is required, so please visit northgatefmc.com to sign up. The cost for the class is $98.99; scholarships are available. If you have questions please email john@northgatefmc.com.

For more information about any of these groups or other events, please contact the Northgate office at (585) 343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

Rollover accident reported in Basom

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident with a person being ejected from the vehicle is reported at the intersection of Meadville Road and Bloomingdale Road in Basom.

No further word on possible injuries.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m.: A landing zone for Mercy Flight is being established.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: A 9-year-old child is being transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC. No loss of consciousness.

So Fresh: GO ART! debuts its Farm to Table Dinner on Sept. 14

By James Burns

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GO ART! is hosting a Farm to Table Dinner on Sept.14th.

This fits with its mission of expanding the culinary arts and cultural richness of farms in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Farm to Table events have become extremely popular in the last few years. GO ART’s! event is expected to be just as popular as the many other similar events held around the country in rich and diverse farming communities like ours.

The splendid diversity of the local food and expert preparation by the Genesee Valley Education Partnership Culinary Program, led by Executive Chef Tracy Burgio, are not to be missed.

Guests will enjoy live music and food that could not possibly be any fresher in the magical restaurant without walls at GO ART! at Bank and Main streets in Downtown Batavia. It is sure to please all who attend.

The four-course feast costs $105 per person and will feature local produce, beef, chicken and a vegetarian option. Click here to see the menu.

Because this is the debut farm to table dinner in Batavia hosted by GO ART!, as a special thank you for those attending, diners who book this year will be able to pre-purchase tickets for next year's event before tickets are available to the public.

For information on purchasing tickets, please click here.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Culinary Arts Club at GVEP.

Photos courtesy of DixieLand Images | Marcy Morgan.

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Free workshop offered Sept. 11 for those working with clients of substance use disorder

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A six-hour workshop will be offered in Batavia on Sept. 11 for people working with those with substance use disorder.

It is titled "Taking a Coach Approach -- A Conversation for Change" and is intended for recovery peer professionals, counselors and clinicians.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in and practice using evidence-based coaching strategies and tools relevant to their work.

The International Coach Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

Coming from a strength base and client-centered perspective, coaching honors the individual in recovery/family member as the expert in his/her own life and believes that every individual is creative, resourceful, whole and fundamentally brilliant about their own lives.

Coaching addresses the entire person, challenging them to expand their definition of recoverywhile focusing on the “gap” between the quality and scope of their recovery today and wherethey would like their recovery to be tomorrow.

This free class is taught by Keith Greer or Lori Drescher of the Recovery Coach University. Limited space. Reservation required.

It will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Lake Plains Community Care Network, 575 E. Main St., Batavia. (In Eastown Plaza, near Aldi, next to Family Dollar.)

To register, call 585-345-6110 and request by class name and date.

Some of the topics to be included in this workshop include:

  • The use of both powerful questions and empathic reflections;
  • Using both a coaching plan and coaching contract;

  • Being "in the inquiry" vs. being "in the answer";

  • Moving away from a focus on “helper as the expert” to the role of coach who facilitates an inquiry based and action oriented process viewing their client as a resource (vs. object);

  • Practice with several established coaching tools.

This class is sponsored by Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse -- GCASA.

College Homecoming Weekend debuts the 'SUNY GCC 5K for the Future' Sept. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The annual Homecoming Weekend celebration at Genesee Community College has been extended to include a brand-new event this year -- the SUNY GCC 5K for the Future!

This new event gives participants the option of walking or running, but all will enjoy a "Run for the Future" held in memory of GCC's former Director of Development and External Affairs, Rick Ensman (inset photo, right). All proceeds will go to GCC's Fund for the Future dedicated to student scholarships.

The SUNY GCC Walk/Run 5K for the Future begins on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. on GCC's Batavia Campus. The course is USATF certified. Cost is $35 per participant.

Register for the 5K run or 5K walk here.

Participants must be present to receive awards. Awards will be given to:

  • Top two male and female run-finishers;
  • Top male and female finishers in each age group: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & over.

Ensman was an exercise enthusiast and a dedicated member of CrossFit of Rochester. He was also an avid hiker in the Adirondacks and a talented photographer, as well as a strong and dedicated leader at Genesee Community College who served with great distinction for nearly 30 years.

Throughout that time, he helped transform the College into what it is today and establish the Genesee Community College Foundation, College Village and the Marketing Communications Office. This May, Ensman passed away while this event was being planned. Participants in the 5K Race will see many of his contributions at GCC from College Village to the new Richard C. Call Arena, Student Success Center, and the Conable Technology Building.

"Holding the 5K for the Future in memory of Rick is bittersweet for all of us at GCC," said Jennifer Wakefield, GCC's assistant alumni director. "With Rick's love of the outdoors and exercise, the 5K course that winds around campus is a fitting tribute to him.

"The proceeds from the 5K Race directly support scholarships providing GCC students with the necessary financial assistance to help them achieve their dreams -- something Rick was devoted to for nearly 30 years."

The 5K for the Future on Sunday winds up the three-day Homecoming Weekend, which begins at Ken's Charcoal Pits on Friday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. on with The Cougar Crawl, a unique stroll through Downtown Batavia to visit local businesses, enjoy special treats, signature drinks and exclusive activities in route. Registration for the crawl is $20 per person.

Register for the Cougar Crawl here.

The Cougar Crawl will include visits to The YNGodess Shop, Valle Jewelers, Pollyanna & Dot, Hidden Door, T-Shirts, Etc., T.F. Brown's, O'Lacy's Irish Pub, Center Street Smoke House, GO ART! and concludes with a celebration at Eli Fish Brewing Co. with snacks and the musical stylings by Kelli Carson, GCC Class of 1989 and a long-term DJ at WCJW.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 a variety of fun activities continue on GCC's Batavia Campus at the Richard C. Call Arena and admission is FREE!

  • 10 a.m. -- Craft and Vendor Fair
  • 11 a.m. -- Family Fun / Children's Activities and a GCC Women's Softball Game
  • 12 p.m. -- Car Cruise, Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ with DJ Hank Nevins and also the exhibit in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery
  • 1 p.m. -- GCC Women's Softball Game 2
  • 7 p.m. -- Alumni Coed Soccer Game
  • 8 p.m. -- Bonfire

Additional details about the entire Homecoming celebration can be found here, or by contacting the Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

Pavilion's Noblehurst Farms to convert State Fair's butter sculpture into energy and fertilizer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

SYRACUSE -- The 51st Annual Butter Sculpture at the New York State Fair was taken down, but it didn't go to waste.

American Dairy Association North East, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Noblehurst Farms, dismantled the 800-pound sculpture today at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Ultimately, the inedible butter will make its way to Noblehurst Farms in Pavilion (and Linwood), a "Dairy of Distinction," where it will be recycled in the farm’s methane digester and converted into renewable energy to power the dairy farm and produce liquid fertilizer for crops.

Noblehurst Farms has been recognized for achievements in sustainability and community partnerships to divert food waste from local landfills. (For previous coverage of an example of these efforts, click here.)

This year’s sculpture, “Milk. Love What’s Real,” featured a grandfather and child dunking cookies into milk and a young couple sharing a milkshake, illustrating how our love for real dairy connects many cherished moments in our lives.

Here's a link to a time-lapse video of the sculpture's deconstruction, which actually took 90 minutes to do.

About American Dairy Association North East

The American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) is the local affiliate of the National Dairy Council® and the regional consolidation of three promotion organizations including the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council Inc., Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program.  Committed to nutrition education and research-based communications, ADANE provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media.

Funded by dairy checkoff dollars from more than 12,000 dairy farm families in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia, ADANE works closely with Dairy Management Inc.™ to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the North East region. For more information, visit AmericanDairy.com

Genesee County Coroner Donald Coleman dies at 69, known for professionalism and kindness

By Billie Owens

Donald E. Coleman, one of four elected part-time coroners in Genesee County, died on Aug. 23 at the age of 69 surrounded by his family. 

A coroner for Genesee County since 1992, he told others he was honored to serve the people of Genesee County; he is remembered for his professionalism and kindness.

He was a life member of the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

He also served on the Genesee County Republican Committee and was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church, where he was a former youth group leader and worked with its youth underground program.

For his full obituary, click here.

(Submitted photo.)

Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters' Day of Soccer is Sept. 14, benefits two charities

By Billie Owens

The Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters fourth annual Day of Soccer (Homecoming) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14.

This is also the eighth annual fundraising event of the Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Soccer Team.

Girls' teams and boys' teams will play soccer all day. There will also be gift basket raffles, 50/50 raffles, along with concessions. Proceeds from this event will go to the Wilmot Cancer Institute and, added this year, Crossroads House.

The games will be played at the Byron-Bergen Soccer Stadium, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

The schedule is:

  • 9:30 a.m. -- Boys Modified
  • 11 a.m. -- Girls Modified
  • 12:30 p.m. -- Boys Junior Varsity
  • 2:30 p.m. -- Boys Varsity
  • 4:30 p.m. -- Girls Junior Varsity
  • 6:30 p.m. -- Girls Varsity

To make a monetary donation, make check payable to Byron-Bergen Central School and mail to Byron-Bergen High School, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen NY 14416; or call (585) 297-3352.

Donations of gift baskets are welcome.

Contacts are:

Diane MacCowan -- (585) 503-2081 -- dmaccowan@yahoo.com

Tammy Fuller -- (585) 297-3352 -- tfullerstamps@yahoo.com

Alyson Tardy -- (585) 414-8031 -- atardy@bbschools.org

Law and Order: Judge Road man accused of harassment, strangulation, petty theft and trespassing

By Billie Owens

Andrew J. Rock, 33, of Judge Road, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment; second-degree strangulation; petit larceny; and second-degree criminal trespass. Rock was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 3 a.m. on Sept. 2 at an apartment on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due in city court at 1:30 p.m today (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Justin R. Swift, 40, of Le Roy, was arrested Aug. 29 following a traffic stop by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies on Route 20A in the Town of Orangeville. Swift was pulled over at 11:38 p.m. for allegedly speeding and failing to signal for lane changes. Swift also allegedly continued driving for a distance when police were attempting to pull him over. Swift was found to have an open container of alcohol in his vehicle along with a 7-year-old child. Swift allegedly failed roadside standardized field sobriety testing and was taken into custody. The child was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where she was later released to a family member. Swift was also taken to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where he refused to submit to a breath chemical test. Swift was charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated – child in vehicle; DWI; refusal of pre-screen breath test; consumption of alcohol in motor vehicle; failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle; no signal; and speed over 55 mph. He was arraigned in the Town of Warsaw Court where his license was suspended pending a DMV Refusal Hearing. He was put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond, and he is scheduled to return to the Town of Orangeville Court on Oct. 2 for further proceedings. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Bliss, assisted by Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Minnie M. Henry, 31, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. She was located and arrested after an investigation into an alleged domestic incident at 6:15 a.m. on Aug. 22 at an apartment on Hutchins Street in Batavia. She is due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Jenna L. Josephite, 30, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after a larceny investigation at a local business. She was transported to Genesee County Jail for processing and given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Tonya M. Weber-Jackson, 35, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants out of Batavia City Court. On Sept. 1 she was delivered by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies to the Batavia Police Department headquarters on the warrants. She was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 and jailed on $1,000 bail. She is due back in court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Patrick B. Shores, 32, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with failure to appear. Shores turned himself in at Batavia Police Department headquarters at 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 25 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in city court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

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