When the children of Claudia Celia Rincon Pico and Loan Trang entered Batavia City Schools a few years ago, neither mother spoke a word of English.

On Tuesday night, both mothers spoke to City School Board members to demonstrate how a special Sunday night English class led by Jenna Mrzywka and Courtney Turner has helped them improve their English.

Mrzywka, an English as a Second Language teacher at Jackson, and Turcer, an ESL teacher at Batavia HS, started the Sunday adult English night class on their own (it's now supported by the district) two and a half years ago.

"They're new to the community and a lot of times when someone is new to a country they feel there are cultural and language barriers so they don't always come into the school," Turcer said. "This is a chance to bring parents into the school building and a chance for kids to help their parents and it's a way for them to make friends and get roots in the community. They know English is important so it's a way for them to help themselves."

Rincon Pico and Trang have been part of the program since its inception, though Trang recently opened a nail salon in Erie County and now lives in the Pembroke Central School District, where her son attends school.

Rincon Pico is from Colombia and Trang is from Vietnam. Turcer said ESL students tend to be predominately Spanish-speaking, though Chinese is often common, but students have come through speaking other languages, including an Indian language and French. When she started with district five years ago there were 13 or 14 ESL students, she said. Today there are 40, including 10 at the high school.

Both Mrzywka and Turcer have built solid relationships with parents in the class, which makes it easier to help them deal with school work for their children.

They also said the parents, despite often coming from different countries and cultures, build lasting friendships among themselves.

The non-English population in Batavia is fluid, Turcer said, so there is some fluctuation in class size. Currently, there are five adults in the class. There have been as many as 10 and as few as two.

Adult students start with the basics, learning their ABCs, and move onto personal identification, food, and household items.

In their presentations, Rincon Pico and Trang shared about their home countries, what their interests are, and their favorite dishes from their homelands. Interestingly, both dishes, though very different, featured pork, rice and peppers.

Trang said she was grateful to the Batavia district for all it had done for her and her family.

"I love to become an American," said Trang at the close of her talk, who also noted one of her favorite holidays is the Fourth of July. "I love it here and I love America."

Jordan S. Thomas, 19, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Thomas allegedly violated an order of protection by allowing the protected party to stay at his residence for several hours on Monday. Thomas was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Octavio Michael Tardy, 52, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Tardy allegedly shoved another person during an argument at 1:22 p.m. March 25 at a location on Main Street, Batavia.

Amy M. Gasper, 45, of Webster, is charged with petit larceny. Gasper is accused of a theft in the Town of Batavia at 9:53 a.m. on April 4. She was arrested by State Police on Tuesday. No further details released.

The Genesee County Health Department conducted a community health emergency drill today at Genesee Community College, this time simulating how workers would handle a potential outbreak of Hepatitis A.

These drills are required by the state and state health department officials draw up the scenario that will be handled by all the county health departments in the state.

In this case, the health department was notified that a fictitious worker at a fictitious grocery store had contracted Hepatitis A, confirmed by lab results. Since the store employee handled fresh produce, residents in the county were to be notified through news media that if they had been in that store, especially in the produce section, that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A. The residents are then encouraged to come to the aid station, register, be asked a few health questions and if not yet symptomatic, given a vaccine shot.

In the drill, nurses, from the mental health department in this drill, simulated the shots by sticking a needle into a tangerine. 

Some of the participants acting as patients in the drill were GCC students. Each trip through the process was worth a slice of pizza.

Serena L. Snyder is indicted for the crime of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that she did not appear personally on Sept. 26 in Genesee County Court as ordered after having been released from custody on the condition she would do so, nor did she voluntarily appear in court within 30 days thereafter. She was to appear in court in connection with an unspecified felony charge against her.

Steven Obara is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 8 in the Town of Pembroke that Obara drove a 2007 Jeep on Route 33 while he was intoxicated. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Obara is accused of having been convicted of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, on Feb. 1, 2011 in the Town of Elma in Erie County. That conviction was within 10 of the commission of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

LE ROY – Marion Kohl’s pastime is not what makes her unique, but the fact she will turn 99 in May and is still able to knit and crochet.

“She is amazing at her age to be able to continue to contribute with her talent,” said Kim Pasquale, director of The Greens.

Kohl inherited her talent from her mother and grandmother. She started crocheting as a youngster and learned to knit when her husband Harold was in the military.

She was born in Syracuse grew up in the Catskills. Harold grew up in Henderson Harbor, where her grandparents lived. Her father’s job transferred him to Lowville, and she met Harold in her senior year. They corresponded for seven years while he was in the Service. He served in World War II and the Korean War.

In addition to raising their two children, Kohl was a nurse. The couple moved to the Rochester area in 1965. She came to The Greens in August 2008, after Harold had to enter the nursing home. He died in 2009.

“Marion has made many mittens for people here, as well as baby blankets for residents’ grandchildren,” Pasquale said.

When she heard about the red hats needed for preemies, she got the pattern and some donated yarn and made 10 hats for the Little Hats, Big Hearts program in connection with the Children’s Heart Foundation. She can’t count the sweaters she has made, and she crocheted an afghan for veterans and made baby blankets for the Le Roy Nursery. She also donates her needlework to the Le Roy Rotary’s Graze to Raise auction.

“I knit or crochet every day,” Kohl said. “It’s part of my routine while I’m watching TV.”

Before Harold died, he would read the patterns to her.

Kohl likes to do jigsaw puzzles, and has a computer, but she doesn’t go on the Internet. She just enjoys playing games on it.

She also walks around the facility for exercise and fixes her own lunch in her apartment. She admits to having an occasional drink, but never smoked.

“I’m so grateful my hands and my eyes still let me do the things I love,” Kohl said.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has invited individuals from a number of local businesses and agencies to a “Lunch in the Dark” at the New York State School for the Blind (NYSSB) to experience lunch in a darkened environment in order to better understand eating and socializing with vision loss.

Taking place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th, at the School Gymnasium, 2A Richmond Ave., west of State Street, in Batavia, the event challenges the participants to dine using blindfolds as the only way to have a “total experience.” As a group, participants will discuss the best practices of making events with food more accessible, as well as strategies for eating with vision loss.

To encourage participation, Dibble Family Catering will offer a big spread: pasta with traditional red sauce, roast beef, honey-roasted turkey breast, chef salad, fresh rolls, coffee, tea, and dessert. The ticket price of $15 includes the meal, and some materials participants can take home.

After the meal, with the assistance of an ILGR staff person, they will have the chance to try out activities when blindfolded, such as using adapted devices.  Services of ILGR that may be useful to citizens who are visually impaired, such as the Medicaid Application Assistance Program, will be explored.

Members of the public who have not been formally invited are welcome to attend, if they preregister. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

An effort to reduce the cost of the county's Weights and Measures program and generate new fees to help cover the costs of an inspector's duties got sidetracked last month when county officials found out state law wouldn't allow them to charge one of the fees on the new fee schedule.

It's called a "witnessing fee." It is charged when an inspector works at a facility with a third-party to certify the scales of a company that uses large equipment. The third-party calibrates the large scale when the county doesn't have its own equipment to calibrate large scales. The inspector must witness the work and place the seal on the equipment once it is certified as accurate.

Under Article 16 of the Ag and Markets Law, the county can charge this fee but another section says they can only charge a witnessing fee if it owns the calibration equipment.

Genesee County does not own this equipment and works with a company from Rochester to perform the inspections.

The County Legislature approved a plan at the beginning of the year to eliminate Weights and Measures as its own county department with its sole employee, the director of weights and measures. The division is now part of the County Health Department, under Director Paul Pettit, and the county's weight and measures "director" is a director in title only.  He is the inspector.

In January, the county hired an inspector and teamed him with a trainer from weights and measures. At his first large job, a firm in Genesee County that asked not to be identified, the inspector informed the owner he was going to charge the witnessing fee. The new inspector was told by both a rep from the Rochester firm and the owner of the local company that the fee wasn't legal.

That evening, the new inspector told his local supervisor that he couldn't charge the fee. The following day, a Friday, there was a snowstorm and the inspector says he was told he could stay home with his kids.

On Monday, the inspector was dismissed from his job. He said he believes it was because he refused to charge the witnessing fee. He said the official reason was he was given was an "attendance problem" but he doesn't believe he had an attendance problem.

Pettit said he can't discuss personnel issues.

He did acknowledge that it was through the inspection at the local company that the county was made aware of the contradiction in state law over the witnessing fee.

Pettit said the county has not charged the fee nor has it collected the fee. The dismissed inspector said he handed a bill with the witnessing fee to the local business owner. The owner said he refused the bill.

Pettit said the county and its attorneys are working with state officials to try and resolve the issue over witnessing fees, which a spokesperson for Ag and Markets confirmed, but Pettit thinks it will take a change in the state regulations in order for Genesee County (and Orleans County) to be able to charge a witnessing fee without owning its own equipment.

"This witnessing fee allows us to recoup some of the time spent out on the site by our director," Pettit said. "He might be out there two, four, six hours, depending on the intricacies of the test. If we're not able to collect the fee, the full cost of that test is being borne by the taxpayer."

The Genesee County Office for the Aging’s RSVP program observed National Service Recognition Day April 3 by highlighting its Medical Transportation service. From left, Courtney Iburi, RSVP Volunteer Placement coordinator; Maureen Estabrooks, specialist, Aging Services; and County Manager Jay Gsell are shown with Medical Transportation volunteer driver Linda Smith. In the passenger’s seat is John Dempski, former Genesee County Nursing Home administrator, who volunteers with the OFA’s tax program.

The sixth annual National Service Recognition Day was observed April 3, and this year the Genesee County Office for the Aging chose to highlight its RSVP volunteers and the Medical Transportation program.

RSVP is in its 32nd year with 300 active volunteers age 55 and older who serve 25 partner agencies in Genesee County, said RSVP coordinator Courtney Iburi.

“I try to connect seniors with volunteer opportunities in the community, based on their skills and meeting the needs of our partner agencies,” Iburi said.

The Medical Transportation program is a vital service which is made possible through the dedication of a core group of volunteers, Iburi said.

The Office for the Aging Transportation Coordination program, which includes medical transportation, is funded by the Rochester Community Foundation’s Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging in Genesee County, in addition to county funds.

The Marshall Fund was created by Batavia native Roxanne Marshall who left $7 million 20 years ago for programs to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Genesee County.

“Many other areas are envious of us,” said County Manager Jay Gsell, who also volunteers as an RSVP driver when needed.

Since its inception, RSVP volunteers have provided more than 1.2 million hours of service, valued at $21.9 million. Last year, RSVP volunteers provided more than 35,000 hours of service, valued at almost $850,000.

“Without this organization, our county wouldn’t have the ability to do what we do,” Gsell said.

Linda Smith decided to become a volunteer driver in the Medical Transportation program after she retired three years ago as a guidance counselor with Social Services.         

“I enjoy meeting people and I enjoy driving,” Smith said. “I’m not afraid to drive in the city.”

Maureen Estabrooks, specialist/aging services at the OFA, said they have clients who drive but aren’t comfortable driving in the city.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience,” Smith said. “Especially when clients request me. You see the results of your volunteering immediately.”

In spite of the success of the RSVP program, volunteers are always needed, especially drivers for the Meals on Wheels and Medical Transportation programs. Not only does Gsell volunteer occasionally, but Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. also volunteers one day a week for Meals on Wheels.

“RSVP’s contribution to our county is significant,” Gsell said. “It’s well run and organized. If you don’t have programs like this, people will suffer.”

He said the senior population has been growing significantly in Genesee County, with 21 percent of the population being 60 or older.

Iburi said in a community the size of Genesee County, people don’t have the opportunity to go from bus to bus and must rely on volunteers, such as RSVP.

RSVP is funded by the federal, state and required county matching funds and private funding, while the Medical Transportation program is funded by similar sources, in addition to State Transportation Services funds, which provides mileage reimbursement to volunteer drivers.

Any senior wishing to volunteer for any RSVP-funded program, especially medical transportation, should contact Iburi at 343-1611.

Zack Johnson, center, was named Firefighter of the Year at Byron Fire Company’s awards banquet. Presenting his award were Chief Robert Mruczek, left, and 1st Asst. Chief Dwane Wetherell.

Byron Fire Company’s 45th annual awards and installation dinner in March celebrated dedicated service and recognize those who support the fire service.

The hall was packed with what Rich Lucas, former president and master of ceremonies, called one of the best turnouts ever for the firemen’s banquet.

Honored guests included representatives from Pavilion, Town of Batavia, Bergen, Clarendon, Elba, Pembroke/Indian Falls and Stafford fire departments, as well as local officials and members of Genesee County Emergency Management.

Fire Chief Robert Mruczek reported Byron Fire Company had responded to 245 calls in 2017.

A moment of silence was observed for longtime member Bud Alexander, who died during the past year.

“He helped us build this department,” Lucas said.

Recognized for the most training hours was Dwane Wetherell with 1,028 hours.

Shelby Fairchok had a combined 256 training hours for fire and EMS.

Recognized for their commitment to the fire department were Genesee County Emergency Management; Byron Exempts, who made a donation of $2,000 to the department; and Tammy Wells on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Top responders during the year were John Durand, 146 calls; Edward Sharp, 125; Robert Mruczek, 115; Zach Johnson, 88; Dwane Weatherell, 83; and Michelle Weatherell, 77.

Those honored for years of service were Les Stevens, 50 years; Peter Lockner, 45; Tim McKenrick, 35; Kevin McKenrick, 30; Steve Lockner, 30; John Durand, 30; Charles Durkee Sr., 25; Joseph Wells, 20; Sandy Johnson, 20; Charles Durkee Jr., 15; Edward Sharp, 10; Zach Johnson, 10; and Cory Russell, 5.

Mickey Truax and Cory Russell each received a pecial service award, Truax for 42 years of dedicated service, and Russell for always being willing to go above and beyond.

Zack Johnson was named “Firefighter of the Year.”

“He pushes himself to the highest level possible and gives his all,” Dwane Weatherell said.

Johnson’s mother, Sandra Johnson, said Zack takes after his dad, who was a chief at the Byron Fire Department and died in 2011.

“Zack was brought up in the fire company,” she said. “He has been hanging out here since he started walking. He came here with his father, who taught him early how to run the pumps.”

Tammy Wells acknowledged Auxiliary members Daisy Streeter for 50 years of membership and Pat Shaw for 35 years.

Barbara Read announced Lori Mruczek as “Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year,” for always having lots of ideas and energy to help the Auxiliary.

Officers for 2018 were installed by Jim Bouton.

Firematic officers are Robert Mruczek, chief; Charles Durkee, 1st asst. chief; Zack Johnson, 2nd asst. chief; Justin Baxter, captain; Bill Dix, 1st lieutenant; Paul Carr, 2nd lieutenant; Victor Flanagan, fire police captain; Paul Carr, fire police lieutenant; and John Durand, safety officer.

Administrative officers are Victor Flanagan, president; Steve Lockner, vice president; Michelle Weatherell, secretary; Tammy Wells, treasurer; John Durand, sunshine committee; Tony Barniak, chairman of the board; Ken McKenrick, Kevin McKenrick, Tim McKenrick and Dan Stevens, board of directors; Kevin McKenrick, chaplain; and Cory Russell and Jacob Shultz, sergeant-at-arms.

Rescue Squad officers are Brad Nickerson, captain; Michelle Weatherell, lieutenant; Katherine George, secretary; Laura Platt, treasurer; and Dr. Sara Connelly, medical director.

Ladies Auxiliary officers are Tammy Wells, president; Laura Platt, vice president; Michelle Weatherell, secretary; Judy Yager, treasurer and sunshine committee; Lori Mruczek, special events; and Brenda Miller and Barbara Read, board of directors.

Exempts are Tim McKenrick, president; Dave Barringer, vice president; Ken McKenrick, secretary; and Dave Chupp, treasurer.

Byron Fire Chief Robert Mruczek, left, and 1st Asst. Chief Dwane Weatherell, right, presented Les Stevens with a plaque for 50 years of membership during the fire company’s 45th awards banquet in March.

Byron Fire Chief Robert Mruczek stands next to his wife, Lori, after she was named Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year at Byron Fire Department’s awards banquet by Auxiliary President Tammy Wells and Board Member Barbara Read.

Michelle Weatherell, center, was named Emergency Medical Technician of the Year at Byron Fire Company’s annual banquet. With her are Byron Fire Chief Robert Mruczek, left, and EMS Chief Brad Nickerson.

Summary of the NYS Local Governments and School Accountability audit of the City of Batavia's Business Improvement District.

CLICK HERE for the complete report.

Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine whether City officials properly accounted for and monitored the Business Improvement District’s (BID) financial operations for the period April 1, 2015 through September 14, 2017.

Background

The City of Batavia is located in Genesee County. The City has approximately 15,500 residents and is governed by an elected nine-member City Council. The Council created the BID in 1997. The BID is a geographic area in which a charge is imposed upon benefited properties for improvements, operation and maintenance costs and other services such as advertising and promoting BID activities. The district management association (DMA) is a not-for-profit entity governed by its own board of directors, which performs many District day-to-day management functions. The 2017-18 BID charge was $55,742.

Key Findings

• The Council did not enter into a written agreement with the DMA or monitor the manner in which the DMA used BID funds.
• City officials did not maintain adequate records to properly account for BID funds.
• BID charges exceeded the statutory limit for 11 of the past 13 years by a total of approximately $464,000 or an average of $42,000 each year.

Key Recommendations

• Enter into a written agreement with the DMA.
• Monitor BID financial operations especially the manner in which the DMA uses BID funds.
• Levy BID charges in compliance with the statutory limit.

A New York State comptroller’s audit of the City of Batavia’s relationship with the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District mandates City Council to assume greater control of the agency’s financial matters.

That was the word from both Council President Eugene Jankowski and Interim Manager Matt Worth at tonight’s City Council business meeting at City Centre Council Chambers.

“Basically, the state has supported what we said in the past (that Council needed more oversight of the BID) and lays down some ground rules going forward,” Jankowski said. “This has been going on for a couple years; we should have caught it sooner.”

See NYS Local Government and School Accountability audit summary findings posted above this story.

Worth said the audit addresses several procedural issues, particularly in the areas of budget oversight and retention of the BID’s funds.

“It deals with who should take possession of the funds and requires that a more formal contract between the City and the BID needs to be created,” Worth said.

The City and the BID were at odds for some time into the second half of 2016, stemming from the City’s contention that the agency’s 2016-17 assessment budget exceeded the General Municipal Law limits for district assessment charges used for operations.

Jason Molino, city manager at the time, also urged the BID to follow Open Meetings and Freedom of Information laws, and to post its bylaws and meeting notices and minutes on its website.

The dispute simmered in a public forum, eventually prompting Laurie Oltramari to resign her position as BID director (although she said the budget flap did not enter into her decision).

Since then, the BID Board of Directors has changed as has the director, with Beth Kemp taking over the lead role in November 2016. Additionally, the City -- in a move supported by the audit -- has more than $200,000 in a special account (BID taxes that were levied inappropriately) that will not be used until the agency plans a capital improvement project.

A call to Kemp this evening had yet to be returned when this story was posted.

In other action, Council:

-- Approved a contract with R.A. Haitz Co. Inc., of Batavia, for $49,838 to replace two roofs at Dwyer Stadium, with the intent of having the work done prior to the opening of the Batavia Muckdogs’ season in mid-June.

“I think it’s great that we finally found someone from Batavia that can do some work in Batavia,” Council Member Rose Mary Christian said.

The cost comes in at $1,838 over the projected budgeted amount, but Worth said he thinks the City could save money on some other projects at the baseball park “so it comes out in the wash, so to speak.”

The Haitz bid was not the lowest of the three received, however. A $28,800 bid from Dan & D.J.’s Reasonable Contracting, of Elba, was not considered because that firm miscalculated insurance costs related to the project, Worth said.

-- OK'd a liquor license request by the Muckdogs to offer beer and cider during the New York-Penn League games.

-- Voted to contract with Labella Associates in the amount of $12,000 for administrative services in connection with a Communities Development Block Grant to replace 900 linear feet of water mains on a portion of Brooklyn Avenue.

-- Passed a resolution designating four eligible census tracts – in Ward 2, 3, 5 and 6 – as federal qualified opportunity zones.

This gives developers federal tax incentives to reinvest capital gains in areas designated as “disadvantaged” by virtue of having 20 percent or higher poverty and a median family income 80 percent less than the area’s median income.

The resolution states that “coupling opportunity funds with the locally enacted Pathway to Prosperity tax increment financing program may assure cleanup of brownfield sites, gain new investor commitments to Batavia, and will ensure that our region can be an attractive economic driver creating jobs, building tax base and increasing population …”

-- Was informed that two part-time janitors have been hired to work at the City Centre Mall but a full-time maintenance worker has not been hired yet.

Council Member John Canale reported that a mall merchant commented that she noticed people working in the mall and “appreciated” the City’s effort to improve what has long been a tenuous association between the merchants and the City.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported on Route 98 at Lockport Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m.: There are injuries. Elba is responding from Alexander, where crews were in training. Barre is being put on standby.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Fire police requested to shut down Route 98 at Old Orchard Road.

As County Health Director Paul Pettit anticipated, there are a few more cases of flu reported locally after a sharp decline from the peak of the season in February.

It's too soon to tell, Petit said, how strong this second wave of cases will be.

"Until we get the next report, we're not sure if it's going to go back down or back up," Petit said.

For the week ending March 31, there were 23 reported flu cases in Genesee County, up from just 13 the week before.

Statewide, the trend is also toward a second wave of flu cases.

"It’s very typical in most seasons, have a peak and then numbers will tail off but then usually there is a second wave," Petit said. "It's usually not expected to be as prevalent."

In total for Genesee County, there have been 683 flu cases reported this season. Petit said typically we would have from 150 to 200 flu cases.

"It's never too late to get a (flu) shot," Petit said; however, he urged people who start to have flu-like symptoms to try and avoid contact with other people and if they take an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu, that will help.

Press release:

Once again, the Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) is gathering nominations of members of the disability community who have made ongoing, significant contributions, such as support, assistance and inspiration to others.

Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. Friday, April 13.

The winner will be honored with WNYIL's Independent Citizen Award at its Fifth Annual “Night for Independence" Gala on Saturday, May 12^th at the Classics V Banquet & Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.

Ideally, the nominee should meet the five core values of this award: 

• Exemplifying independence in the community, such as: by beginning a special project; by spearheading an awareness effort; or by gaining the support of decision-makers, for the benefit of others with disabilities or the general community;
• Going above and beyond what would be expected to assist others, by offering personal experience or expertise, organizing individuals around an issue, enlisting partnerships, and/or revealing self-sacrificing work;
• Remaining active in the community over an extended period, even after an initial success with an activity or major project;
•  Rejecting others’ criticism or doubt, that potentially could have deterred the individual from striving to reach and achieve personal goals;
•  Showing the world the value of one person’s actions by encouraging others to have a contributing, encouraging, and positive attitude about making the community a better place for all. 

If you are aware of an individual who has served those with disabilities, and who, you feel, would meet all these criteria, please contact Marykate Waringa of WNYIL’s Office of Community Engagement at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146; or email her with the candidate’s name, a paragraph about his/her qualifications and contact information, as well as YOUR name and contact information, to mwaringa@wnyil.org.

Thank you for your willingness to help acknowledge deserving members of our community! 

WNYIL is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives, in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.

Press release:

Chapin International will be hosting its 11^th Annual Chapin Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia.

Chapin has proudly selected Justice for Children as its charity to support this year. As in the past all funds collected will go directly to the charity.

Please join us this year supporting Justice for Children by a donation, sponsorship or participation. The tournament provides everyone an opportunity to contribute to this truly amazing charity.

Justice for Children was selected out of several other local charities by Chapin's Golf Committee. Many of you may not even know or have heard of Justice for Children. That is a good thing that you never have had a reason to need the services provided. The services are every discreet, provided to protect the privacy of the children in need. All services are free.

The golf tournament is modestly priced at $75 and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, and dinner. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m.

Every person will receive a prize. Opportunities will be available for chances to win a car in the Hole-in-One contest.

Three local car dealerships -- Ken Barrett, Castilone, and Toyota of Batavia -- offer cars for the contest. All participants will have two opportunities during the tournament to win.

Max Pies Furniture in Batavia will be again offering a lounge chair to the winner of the putting contest held during registration hours before the tournament starts.

Longest drive, closest to pin, and closest to the line will also be available for all during the event. Everyone at all skill levels will have a chance to win. Mulligans and Skins will be offered as well.

Please go to www.chapincharitygolf.com for registration or sponsorship opportunities.

Early registration is advised to avoid missing out, our event fills to capacity quickly.

For any questions or information contact Norm Hubbard, tournament director at nhubbard@chapincharitygolf.com or call/text 409-7575.

About Justice for Children

The Justice for Children GLOW Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of the 11^th annual Chapin Charity Golf Tournament. The mission of the Justice for Children GLOW Foundation Inc. is to provide philanthropic support to enhance the work of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and multidisciplinary team throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) counties.

The support provided by Chapin will assist us in meeting our goal of ensuring that every child who comes to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center receives the care and support necessary to begin their journey toward healing.

Since opening in 1998, the Justice for Children Advocacy Center has served more than 2,500 children and their families who have been impacted by physical or sexual abuse. In 2018 alone, 287 children and their families benefitted from the services available at the Justice for Children Advocacy Center. These services include victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, mental health counseling, medical exams, and multidisciplinary case review.

The proceeds from the Charity Golf Tournament will be used to replace existing, outdated medical equipment with a state-of-the-art imaging system to be used on site at the Justice for Children Advocacy Center’s Batavia office. This equipment will improve our highly skilled medical providers’ ability to identify, diagnose, and document injuries that have been inflicted upon children who have been physically or sexually abused.

Additionally, this system will create opportunities for continuing education and peer review for our medical providers, allowing them to keep their skills sharp and up to date with current best practices. The welcome addition of this equipment will aid us in our goal of ensuring that all the children we help receive the highest quality care possible.

Press release:

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District will hold its Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 27^th at City Church Generation Center, 15 Center St., Batavia. Registration opens at 8 a.m.

There will be an overview of this year’s goals, announcement of newly elected board members, and presentation of “Spirit of Downtown” Awards.

Cost is $20 to attend. All BID Members are invited. RSVP by Monday, April 16^th to the Downtown Batavia BID office at 200 E. Main St., Suite 12, Batavia, NY 14020 or at www.DowntownBataviaNY.com.

This Year’s Spirit of Downtown Business Award winners are Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle and Genesee Valley PennySaver. Spirit of Downtown Volunteer Award winners are Jeff Gillard and Derik Kane.

For further information contact Beth Kemp at 585-344-0900 or bkemp@DowntownBataviaNY.com.