As part its workforce development mission, the Genesee Economic Development Center has been participating in Tuesday evening activities at St. Anthony's, run by City Church, by bringing in recruiters to help connect members of the community with job opportunities.

Last night, Remedy Staffing was on hand to let community members know they can help get job seekers interviews with local companies.

Chris Suozzi, VP of business development for GCEDC (top photo and playing basketball below), told the people gathered in the gym during a break in the basketball games that there are more than 1,000 jobs available in Genesee County, including jobs that pay $15 an hour or more and jobs that provide a career path for advancement.

"Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work there are jobs you can get started on tomorrow," Suozzi said.

Ryan Macdonald, who supervises Tuesday night activities at St. Anthony's, reminded the crowd they asked for help with finding jobs which is why GCEDC and Remedy staffing were on hand.

Kathryn Kempisty, client partnership supervisor for Remedy, said it would only take 30 seconds of a person's time on Tuesday night and a 30-minute meeting sometime in the next week in order for Remedy to line up job interviews with local employers.

"If you don’t know what you’re looking for, we can let you know about the options," Kempisty said. "There is so much out there that we can’t wait to have you come into our office."

Kathryn Kempisty and Brittany Nadrowski, Remedy Staffing.

Press release:

Capture a piece of the historical Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field while supporting the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. on Oct. 13.

From 9 a.m. to noon that Saturday, the Batavia community is invited to own a piece of the historic ground of Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field by making a monetary donation to the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. Any monetary donation to the foundation will be accepted.

All present and former staff, students, athletes, spectators, and members of the Batavia community (including Notre Dame alumni), are encouraged to participate in this event!

It will take place just prior to the groundbreaking for renovations included in the Batavia City School District’s 2020 Vision Capital Improvement Project (https://www.bataviacsd.org/Domain/437).

Members of the BCSD Foundation Inc. will be on hand at the Union Street entrance to collect donations from those entering the stadium, located at 120 Richmond Ave. This event gives people the opportunity to not only support the foundation, but to have a part of the City of Batavia’s athletic history.

We encourage your participation and look forward to you stopping by the Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field on Saturday, Oct. 13. Shovels will be available for your use.

For more information about the event, please contact Julia Rogers at foundation@bataviacsd.org. For further information on the BCSD Foundation Inc. please check out www.bataviacsd.org/Page/7364.

Press release:

Le Roy Central School is proud to announce that Jr.-Sr. High School Math teacher Taryn Nole was one of the 275 educators from across the state selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program.

Mrs. Nole is in her 17th year teaching at Le Roy and has taught eighth-grade Math, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus over her years with the Oatkan Knights. For the last five years, she has served as the 7-12 grade Math Department chair. 

Taryn Nole
"When I learned of the work the NYS Master Teacher program was doing I made it a professional goal of mine to become a part of the program. Through collaborations with other teachers, I will be able to strengthen my pedagogical skills and deepen my math content knowledge. This opportunity will allow me to share best practices with other educators as I continue to look for ways to improve my students' experiences in the classroom."

Merritt Holly, Superintendent -- Le Roy Central School
"Congratulations to Taryn Nole on being selected to join an elite group of educators in the New York State Master Teacher Program! Taryn's dedication to teaching, especially in the area of mathematics, has been a great resource for our District as she continues to encourage more students to pursue STEM studies and careers. To join a list of 275 new members and 980 total Master Teachers across New York State is a great individual honor for Taryn and for our Le Roy Central School District students."   

Tim McArdle, Principal -- Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School
"We are beyond excited to have Taryn be selected for the NYS Master Teacher Program. Taryn's willingness to grow as an educator and as a lifelong learner has allowed her to continue to expand her instructional skill set and serve our students at a high level every day. She is also a teacher leader willing to work with colleagues to enhance educational practices both in our district and regionally. Taryn positively impacts students in a myriad of ways in and out of the classroom year in and year out. Congratulations to Taryn and her family!"

Press release:

At the Sept. 28 meeting of the GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee, Ed Arnold Recycling was recognized for its support of the GLOW Committee and its efforts, along with its overall recycling work.

Unbeknownst to the Arnold family, at its June 22 meeting, the Committee passed a resolution that noted, among other things, Ed Arnold’s valuable input to GLOW in GLOW’s formative years, the support they have given to GLOW’s efforts to promote recycling; and contributions to GLOW’s household hazardous waste collection from the time it began in 1996.

Ed Arnold takes numerous lead acid vehicle batteries and propane tanks each year at the collections at no charge to GLOW. Ed Arnold Jr. attended the meeting, not knowing why he was asked to attend.

Dan Pangrazio, GLOW chairman and Peggy Grayson, Recycling Administration, presented the award. Pangrazio noted that Grayson felt the award was essential that the company be recognized and Committee members agreed. Grayson added that at least in her 20-plus years with GLOW, and most likely since GLOW began in 1987, it was the only time such an award was given.

After Grayson read the resolution, Ed Arnold Jr. was presented with a recycled glass award with an inscription that read “In appreciation for contributions toward regional recycling efforts and assistance given to GLOW Solid Waste through the years” by Pangrazio and Grayson on behalf of the Committee. Arnold thanked the Committee and gave members an overview of how the materials collected are recycled.

My son, Tommy Manzella, passed away in a bad car accident in March. As a way to honor his memory, we are having a Chinese Auction to raise money for Oakfield-Alabama High School sports, which he was very passionate about.

My husband and I are asking if you or your company if you would like to make a donation or donate a basket. All proceeds will be going to Oakfield sports -- baseball, basketball and football.

The inaugural Thomas Manzella Memorial Benefit is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Oakfield Fire Hall. It is located at 20 Albert St. in Oakfield.

As his mom, I want everyone to continue to love him. Tommy was always at school every free time he had. He was a kid who loved helping other kids and pushing them to the best they can be.

He spent his school breaks helping out and even after he graduated college he was at school, practicing with the kids.

It has been a very hard, long six months without him. We decided to continue to do what Tommy would be doing, which is helping kids achieve their goals in sports.

Thank you for your consideration.

(For the obituary of Thomas John "Tommy" Manzella, click here.)

(Submitted photo of Zonta Holiday Festival Committee members. See names below.)

Press release:

Members of the Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County are preparing for their sixth annual Zonta Holiday Festival on the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

It is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. The event is open to the public, admission is free, and it runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

The Zonta Holiday Festival brings in a diverse group of fantastic vendors and artisans from Western New York and beyond to display/sell their products. The facility uses both floors to accommodate the 130-plus vendors and artisans.

Besides the products available for purchase, there will be photo opportunities with Santa (Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and several princesses in costume; as well as a face-painting booth and caricature artist. Food can be purchased during the event at the Homestretch Grill.

Funds pay for service projects to help women

Funds raised by the event will be used to cover the club's local and international service projects – such as scholarships for high school girls, toiletry bags for the YWCA domestic violence victims and women in the military, and items to create birthing kits that are sent to clinics in developing countries where births generally take place at homes instead of hospitals.

Funds are also sent on to the International Service Projects. For example, during the 2018-2020 Biennium, two projects are being supported by the International Service Fund: Let Us Learn Madagascar: An Integrated Program for Adolescent Girls and Eid bi Eid (Hand in Hand): Support to the resilience and empowerment of Syrian refugee and vulnerable Jordanian women.

The club members will have assistance during the event by students in the Z-Club at Batavia High School. The students are a very active group and are known for collecting food for The Salvation Army Food Bank, assisting at school events, and raising funds for Zonta International Service projects. In April the students held a 5K Walk/Run to raise funds for the Let Us Learn Madagascar project.

After the Zonta Holiday Festival the members will turn their focus to the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

Developing ways to celebrate Zonta's centennial next year

Members will also develop ways to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of Zonta in 1919, the many service projects completed during the 100 years, and the wonderful women who have been members of the international organization. They will attend the Oct. 14 event in Le Roy when the Le Roy Historical Society celebrates the anniversary of the creation of the Donald Woodward Airport and its connection to Amelia Earhart (a member of Zonta) and her flight in The Friendship airplane across the Atlantic in 1928 (the plane was owned by Woodward).

To honor Amelia, Zonta International offers several Fellowships to women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering around the globe. Women of any nationality pursuing a doctoral degree, who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering, are eligible and encouraged to apply at www.zonta.org  or use the following link https://www.zonta.org/Global-Impact/Education/Amelia-Earhart-Fellowship.

The Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County recently celebrated the 60^th anniversary of receiving their Charter in the Zonta International organization. Founded in Buffalo in November 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

It envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

(Photo -- front: Mary Yunker, Jill Smith, and Lucille DiSanto. Back: Sue Tabone, Carla Wahls, Teresa Tamfer, Kimberly Yunker, and Heather Parker. Committee members NOT in photo are: Marianne Sernoffsky, Karen Crittenden, Betty O’Brien, Connie Ferris, Lisa Paul and Angie Knisley.)

Press release:

According to a leading taxpayer protection and small business group, Unshackle Upstate, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was one of only two members of the entire Assembly to receive a 100-percent score based on a number of key legislative votes and sponsorship of bills during this year’s session.

The legislation considered covers a wide array of topics, including universal health care, business regulations, budgetary spending and environmental issues.

“I am honored to be named the state’s top assembly member when it comes to protecting taxpayer money, supporting small businesses and championing initiatives to grow the economy and create jobs,” Hawley said. “This is an issue dear to my heart and one I take seriously due to years spent operating our family farm and now my own small business.

“One thing has become abundantly clear over the past several years – Gov. Cuomo’s policies have yet to open New York for business and continue to drive too many residents to more tax-friendly states. Upstate businesses and tax dollars are the lifeblood of our state, and I will continue to fight against reckless spending, overregulation and oppressive taxes.”

City fire is dispatched to Center Street, just north of Ellicott Street, for a report of wires sparking.

New electric service, hot water tank and 5-year-old propane furnace and central air! Full bath on both floors and first floor laundry being completed makes for extra convenience for all! Located on almost 1.5 acres there is storage galore. Large 2 car garage that is heated and ready for hanging out and puttering around-then there is a large handy shed for outside supplies AND a large two story barn/workshop with loft and electric for all the other toys!

Check it out, call Lynn Bezon now or CLICK HERE for more information on this listing.

3207 PRATT ROAD, BATAVIA (TOWN) LOT #30 -- Super clean with tons of upgrades, do not let this one go unnoticed! Home has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, large living room and super homey kitchen with all stainless appliances included, as well as washer and dryer. New flooring throughout -- nothing to be done here!

Newer hot water tank and central air and approximately 8year-old roof. Home has doublewide blacktop driveway, attached garage and nice back deck overlooking super deep and private back yard with 2 sheds that also have electric run to them! Easy to see!

Call Lynn Bezon now or CLICK HERE for more information on this listing.

The 1460 Legion Riders, from Machias, stopped by the PTSD clinic at the VA Hospital in Batavia today with a $2,600 check for the clinic.

The members raised the money this year with a dice run and a 9/11 memorial service.

"We have members in the club who have PTSD and we know what they go through and we know what the other veterans go through so when we first became a club we wanted to make PTSD what our money would go to," said Director Tom Ploetz.

Danielle Bergman, assistant director at the VA in Batavia, said the money will be used for recreation therapy, such as the purchase of bikes and kayaks.

Photo: Danielle Bergman, assistant director at the VA in Batavia, Tom Ploetz, director 1460 Legion Riders, Amy Ploetz, secretary, Bob Ponton, member, David Ramsey, nurse manager for the PTSD program, Jim Perkins, treasurer, Joan Perkins, member.

The recent success of the Genesee County Fair is encouraging organizers to push for even more growth, including adding two days to the fair schedule in 2019.

One more day at the start of the week and one more day at the end would give parents two more weekend days to bring their families to the fairgrounds.

It's worked for Wyoming County, Sue Duyssen (the one speaking in the photo), a member of the Ag Society's Board of Directors, told the Human Services Committee during an annual review of the agencies efforts at Monday's meeting.

"We think that's why Wyoming County has such good attendance, when patrons can come out, spend those extra days together," Duyssen said. "We'll try it and see if it works and if it doesn't we can go back to the old schedule."

The fair is one of the few in the state that has managed to increase revenue over the past couple of years, Duyssen said. This year leaders of Downstate county fairs visited Genesee County to see how the Genesee County Fair was doing it.

The final attendence count for 2018 was 35,000.

So impressed are fair officials from throughout the state with the success of Genesee County that the annual conference of the state's fair managers will be at Batavia Downs this weekend. From 60 to 75 people will attend, staying in local hotels.

It's possible, Duyssen conceded in answering a question from Legislator Shelly Stein, that some of the local fair's success is tied to the end of other annual carnivals in the area, such as Stafford and St. Joe's.

At the same time, the combination of the fair's growth and number of fewer festivals through out the state, has prompted a vendor that is considered among the top ones in the industry to contact the local fair to see about participating in 2019.

Duyssen didn't name the vendor or say what kind of service it provides, but she said it is one that board members have wanted to attract for years.

Off-season activities continue to be an important source of revenue for the fairgrounds, including dog shows, horse shoes and competitions.

A perhaps little known source of revenue is the use of buildings on the fairgrounds as winter storage for RVs, boats, and golf carts. The Ag Society charges $10 per foot plus a set-up fee of $100 if you bring our vehicle or craft to the storage within a specific four-day window. The fee is $200 if you want an appointment outside of those four days.

That's a bargain, Duyssen said, over what storage facilities in Buffalo charge.

Stein also asked if there was a chance of making the fair parade a "real parade" again by running it on Route 5. Duyssen said Assemblyman Steve Hawley has said he will work with the fair board to make that happen.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is advancing the Downtown Revitalization (DRI) Initiative to create a vibrant sustainable city that is inclusive of all ages and socioeconomic situations. The $10 million DRI funding investment will be concentrated in the downtown area and eight priority projects are moving forward. The $10 million DRI will have a direct return of $60 million of private investment into the community.

"City Council has ramped up engagement of our community and businesses over the last few years with the Batavia Opportunity Area planning, the Comprehensive Plan and the DRI," said Eugene Jankowski, City of Batavia Council president. "We're now ready to move into the implementation stage with the DRI projects and onward with our vision for a better Batavia."

The Governor’s DRI competition is in the third year. The program fosters transformative projects in downtown neighborhoods. Here in Batavia eight projects were selected for funding including: the YMCA Healthy Living Campus; The Mall; Jackson Square; Ellicott Station; Carr’s; Harvester 56 Theater; a Building Improvement Fund; and Ellicott Place (Save-A-Lot building).

“Each of these projects is critical to the success of Batavia as a place that encourages arts, culture and entertainment, healthy living, and prosperity for all,” said Matt Worth, interim city manager. “The city will be working hard to execute on the Mall and Jackson Square projects and assisting the other winners in the process."

There are parts of Batavia that are designated as highly distressed with higher than average unemployment and poverty. However, the DRI, combined with the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2), a program to reinvest PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) payments from all taxing jurisdictions directly into highly distressed areas, will help to combat poverty and revitalize brownfield sites. These programs offer a long-term solution to reduce blight, build the economy, and provide prosperity for all.

The DRI project investments will bring immediate change that you will be able to see and feel within the next year to five years. Grant winners will be working with state agencies soon to enter into formal grant agreements. The Batavia Development Corporation is hopeful that the $600,000 Building Improvement Fund "applications to property owners" will be ready in the late fall.

The grant will reimburse up to 60 percent of a project, and awards will range from $10,000 to $200,000, with eligible activities including facades, window/ door repair and replacement, painting, masonry repair, awnings, building signs, exterior lighting, storefront upgrades, roofs, and interior upgrades (heating, plumbing, electrical, walls, floors).

Rachael Tabelski, director of Economic Development of the BDC said, “The BDC is excited to get moving with Building Improvement Fund grant program. As soon as the state contracts are signed we will be able to communicate the terms and application process with property owners in the BID. We will be reaching out with direct mail, email, and public meetings.”

Beth Kemp, director of the Downtown Batavia Improvement District said, “As director of the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) and having three of the City’s five brownfield sites within our downtown, we are committed to vision and strategy of making Batavia a more vibrant downtown."

Bob Bausch, chairman of the Genesee County Legislature said, “The DRI funding, combined with the other initiatives of the City and the County’s economic development agencies will continue to have long-lasting positive results for our community. The County continues to support economic development and private sector investment.”

Patrick Burk, Batavia City School Board president said, “At the school we are working hard to link kids with careers including STEM, trades, agriculture and other industries that are growing in the Finger Lakes, but we still have a dire number of students living in poverty and walking by brownfield sites every day. We understand and support the value of getting our downtown aligned as a safe friendly place for students to live and play.”

Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, said “The Governor’s DRI competition gives Batavia an amazing opportunity to grow quickly and meet the needs and the demands that the development community will soon be putting on the city as the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) starts its build-out. As a City of Batavia resident, I could not be more thrilled to be a part of the resurgence in Batavia and across our community. The creative class that will be attracted to WNY STAMP will demand city living with arts, culture and entertainment.”

A 55-year-old male is stuck under a piece of equipment at 6544 Alleghany Road, Alabama. Mercy Flight's availability is being checked. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Lewiston Road and Church Street.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: The man was pinned under a vehicle; is now out.

(File photo of the Sweet Life Country Store.)

The Grand Opening of the Sweet Life Country Store & Oliver's Candy Factory in Elba will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20, with tours, vendors, live music, giveaways and more.

The completely refurbished building is located at 100 S. Main St. (Route 98) in Elba.

On Friday, Oct. 19, there will be candy factory tours and plenty of giveaways, starting at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 20, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a trio of vendors will be on site selling their products: Jackie's Jams; Peg's Produce; and Vicki Price Jewelry.

Circle B Winery will offer wine and chocolate tasting. There will be giveaways galore and candy factory tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will take place that Saturday at noon.

Josh Hawkins will perform live music Oct. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Everybody is welcome and encouraged to attend.

In an exclusive interview with The Batavian on June 14, Oliver's Candies co-owner and Vice President Jeremy Liles shared the 80-year-old company's plans to triple its confectionary manufacturing capacity by moving its kitchen operation entirely to the newly acquired Elba facility. (Here's that story.)

Those plans also included the 1,000-square-foot retail store at the front of the property that offers candy, ice cream, Oliver's custom-roasted coffee, country-style Americana crafts, and more.

(Below is a file photo of the new candy kitchen in Elba where all of Oliver's Candies are now made.)

Press release:

On Thursday, Oct. 4, rain or shine, students in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District will be participating in national "Walk to School Day."

Students will be meeting at Triangle Park in Oakfield, near Santino's pizzeria, at 7 a.m. for the Middle/High School walk and at 7:50 a.m. for the Elementary School walk.

Teachers and staff have volunteered to walk with students to ensure this event is fun and safe. Students will then be treated to a free breakfast at the schools, located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

National Walk to School Day is observed annually in October as a day to get out and get some exercise while enjoying the weather.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It isn’t hard on joints and feet like running and jogging but still gives all the advantages.

The goal of this day is to raise awareness and support for the health, community and environmental benefits of regularly walking or biking to school.

Organized by the Partnership for a Walkable America, Walk to School Day in the USA began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities.

The staff and volunteers at the Office of the Aging continue to keep busy, Director Ruth Spink told members of the Human Services Committee on Monday and one thing that keeps them busy is helping clients navigate an increasingly complex health care system.

The rules and regulations around Medicare, the primary insurer of many people over age 65, change annually and often clients are unsure if a recent doctor's visit or new medication is covered and Spink and her staff help clients navigate that system, she said.

Other challenges facing the office include finding enough volunteers to drive clients to and from medical appointments, particularly those seeing physicians in Rochester and Buffalo.

"We desperately need more volunteer medical transporation drivers," Spink said.

An anticipated challenge for the office is the demographic changes in Genesee County. An aging population is going to mean Spink's office is providing more services to more people, which will put a strain on the county budget, and there will be an increased need for facilities and personnel to care for older retirees.

There remains a shortage of housing for upper-middle-income retirees in Genesee County.

Spink said there are a couple of developers considering local projects but neither has made a commitment yet. They might be hesitant, despite market studies recognizing the need, that the market will support the rental rates needed to make such a project profitable.

"They've started the process but they haven't gone as far as I thought they would go," Spink said. "I think if it were successful for those two, then maybe word gets out and they (other developers) will see that the demand is there and they'll find it is cost effective."

There continues to be a shortage of in-home care professionals as well as care providers for nursing homes, Spink said.

Spink also worries about the elderly who keep themselves isolated. When people are isolated, they have more health problems and it's hard to keep them connected to the community.

"We’re still trying to make connections to let them know we’re there for them and that we care for them and that we will help as much as we can," Spink said. "Sometimes it is something as simple as sending little notes to them."

Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark in league bowling action around the Genesee Region last week -- including four left-handers who led the way in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Southpaws Rich Wagner (289--787), Brian Green (276--733), Jason Gallo (258--719) and Tom Baker (257--717) topped the list of high scores in the 14-team, five-person league.

Others hitting the 700 mark were Curtis Foss and Robbie Hanks at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, and Caycee Landers, Jeff Parton and Frank Jarkiewicz at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For the list of high rollers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.