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Mark Your Calendar: GSO 'Dare to Dream' concert is Oct. 28 at GCC

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra, with S. Shade Zajac music director/conductor, will perform at Genesee Community College on Sunday, Oct. 28.

The program for "Dare to Dream" is as follows:

  • "Electric Dream for Acoustic Orchestra" -- World Premiere, by S. Shade Zajac
  • "Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra" featuring Guest Artist Marza Wilks, cellist, by Samuel Barber
  • "Symphony No. 2 in B Minor" by Alexander Borodin.

Meet the orchestra at 3 p.m., followed by the concert at 4.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $7 for students; $10 for seniors; $35 for a family with parents and children age 12 and under.

Tickets are available at GO ART!, The YNGodess Shop, Vinyl Record Revival, Bank of Castile in Le Roy, and at geneseesymphony.com

This concert is sponsored by WBTA and is also made possible, in part, by the NYS Council on the Arts, with the support of Gov. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.

The college is located at 1 College Road in the Town of Batavia.

Mosquito-born West Nile virus turned up in Genesee County last month, precautions to take

By Billie Owens

The following is a Health Guidance*  statement issued by the GC Department of Health about West Nile virus in Genesee (and Orleans) County:

Mosquitoes are usually considered a nuisance pest, but occasionally they can transmit viruses to people and some animals. In New York State, mosquitoes have been found to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, "triple E") and West Nile virus (WNV).

Such viruses can cause serious illness and even death. While your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are very small, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. This year WNV has been detected in both Genesee and Orleans counties.

Specifically, per the NYS Department of Health Statewide Mosquito-Borne Disease Activity Report, last month -- in September -- an equine (horse or related animal), bird and human case tested positive in Genesee County and an equine case in Orleans County.

West Nile Virus Disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals, such as horses.

Vaccine is available to reduce the risk of horses contracting the virus. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for humans, taking the proper preventative actions to avoid getting bit are our best options.

In New York State, cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which begins in the summer and continues throughout fall. Most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm.

Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties states that not all mosquitoes are able to transmit the virus.

“While there are about 70 different species of mosquitoes in the State, only certain species have been associated with WNV,” Balduf said.

WNV is spread ONLY through a mosquito bite.

It is NOT spread through coughing, sneezing, touching live animals, or handling live or dead infected birds. But it is strongly advised to avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal. If you are disposing of a dead bird, use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass (body) in a garbage can.

Symptoms of WNV vary from person to person. Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties, explains that only a small percentage of people infected with the disease will show symptoms.

“Most people infected, 70-80 percent, with WNV do not develop any symptoms," Bedard said.

It is estimated that 20 percent of the people who become infected will develop less severe symptoms including headache and body aches, nausea, fever, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Symptoms of severe infections include (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, coma, and in some cases death.”

Symptoms of WNV usually appear within three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Health care providers diagnose WNV based on the patient's clinical symptoms and laboratory diagnosis by testing blood or spinal fluids, which will show if the virus or antibodies against the virus are present in the person.

Although there is no specific treatment for WNV, health care providers will usually attempt to relieve the symptoms of the illness. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and closely monitored.

When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading a virus to people, acting quickly can stop further spread and prevent more people from getting sick. By using multiple mosquito control methods at the same time, people and communities can help stop the spread of disease.

The New York State Department of Health recommends the following:

  • Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or       when mosquitoes are more active.
  • Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not let children apply mosquito repellent on himself or herself, and do not apply to the hands of small children.
  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (the label may say citriodiol or p-menthane 3,8 -diol). Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Products containing permethrin kill insects that come in contact with treated clothing, and are for use on clothing only, not skin.
  • Use as little repellent as you need, and avoid unnecessary repeat applications. Do not overspray. Apply repellent outdoors.
  • Do not apply near eyes, nose or mouth and use sparingly around ears. • After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
  • Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
  • Close doors and make sure open windows have screens on them.
  • Limit use of perfumes and scents that would attract mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, and their offspring "grow up" in water before emerging as adults that fly and bite. Therefore, mosquitoes can be controlled by controlling water.

Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can transmit disease, lay their eggs in even small amounts of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths and discarded tires. To reduce the mosquito population in and around your home, reduce or eliminate all standing water by following these steps:

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

  • Remove all discarded tires on your property. Check with your local landfill or public works authorities to find out how to dispose of them properly.

  • Remove all fallen leaves.

  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

  • Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Make sure outside toys and play areas are clear of standing water.

  • Change the water in birdbaths at least two times a week. Clean plants and debris from the edge of ponds.

  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, please click here.

For more information on Mosquitoes and Diseases, click here.

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) is now using five types of classifications to provide important information to medical and public health professionals, and to other interested persons:

  • Health Alerts convey information of the highest level of importance which warrants immediate action or attention from New York health providers, emergency responders, public health agencies, and/or the public.
  • Health Advisories provide important information for a specific incident or situation, including that impacting neighboring states; may not require immediate action.
  • * Health Guidances contain comprehensive information pertaining to a particular disease or condition, and include recommendations, guidelines, etc. endorsed by GCHD.
  • Health Updates provide new or updated information on an incident or situation; can also provide information to update a previously sent Health Alert, Health Advisory, or Health Guidance; unlikely to require immediate action.
  • Health Promotions provide information on a upcoming event, observance, or topic area.

Photos: Walk to School Day in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

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It was Walk to School Day in Oakfield with a group of students, supervised by teachers and administrators, starting out at Triangle Park in the Village of Oakfield, making the walk at 7 a.m. to the school, where they were treated to a free breakfast.

The event is meant to promote walking as a healthy activity for people.

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Students tour local businesses for National Manufacturing Day

By Howard B. Owens

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More than 200 local high school students, including students from Elba High School at Graham Manufacturing, toured local businesses yesterday for National Manufacturing Day, sponsored locally by the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance.

At Graham, Elba students learned about what the company does and how it does it during a presentation in the company's cafeteria. The students then toured some of the production buildings.

Other companies participating were U.S. Gypsum, Amanda Tool, Oxbo, Orcon, Liberty Pumps, and Chassix.

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Photos: Batavia's morning sky

By Howard B. Owens

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The sky lit up this morning and readers sent us pictures.

Melanie Case submitted the rainbow over Bank Street in the top photo.

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Submitted by Guy Clark.

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Submitted by Frank Capuano.

Accident with injuries reported on East Main Street Road, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on East Main Street Road at Red Oak Lane, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:28 p.m.: A driver has a complaint of being dazed. The vehicles have minor damage and are off the road. One of the Town of Batavia units can go back in service.

Women in Small Business to be celebrated Oct. 25 at Moon Java Cafe, come learn their secrets

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
October is Women's Small Business Month.
 
Please join the Mancuso Business Development Group as we celebrate some of our Women in Small Business on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Moon Java Cafe.
 
The evening will feature: Renee Smart from Moon Java Cafe; Lori Trader from Le Roy’s No Finer Diner and No Better Bed & Breakfast; Judy Hysek from Eden Café and Bakeshop in Batavia; and Kimberly Argenta, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary with Art Ah La Carte in Batavia.
 
Come learn about the experience of these women as they each took their small business from concept to reality, and maybe find out how you, too, might become a successful woman in small business.
 
The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
 
Moon Java Café is located at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.
 
Please RSVP to bev@mancusogroup.com or 585-343-2800 by Oct. 23.
 
Thank you to all successful women entrepreneurs!

Notre Dame announces honorees for Nov. 3 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Notre Dame High School is proud to announce that its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Notre Dame High School.

This fall’s program will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the alumni student-athlete, contributor and coaching recognition portion of the program to follow at 7 p.m. induction program.

Inductees to be honored on Nov. 3, 2018 will include:

  • John Francis ‘66
  • Mike Callahan ’67
  • John Stisser ‘80
  • Sue [Burns] Keefe ‘81
  • Kathy Dwyer ‘90
  • Members of the fall 1973 ND Smith League Co-Champion Football Team
  • Rick Mancuso ’76 – Coach Inductee
  • Joe ’68 and Patty [Jurewicz] ’69 Flynn – Supporter Inductees

Tickets for this annual event will be $40/person and will be available through the Notre Dame Advancement Office. Phone is [585] 343-2783, ext. 106.

Please contact ND Advancement Coordinator Emily Patrick for more info by calling [585] 343-2783, ext. 106, or by e-mailing Emily.Patrick@ndhsbatavia.com

Car vs. tree accident reported off eastbound Route 490

By Billie Owens

A car crashed into a tree off eastbound Route 490 near mile marker 2.4. Injuries are reported.

Bergen fire and Le Roy fire are called to respond along with Le Roy Ambulance Service.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: Injuries were said to be minor; but one victim is said to be losing consciousness. Mercy medics are called.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: A patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 3:57 p.m.: A second patient has been extricated.

Bontrager's Fall Harvest Dinner Dance to benefit Crossroads House is Oct. 13

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Bontrager’s Fall Harvest Dinner Dance that benefits Crossroads House will be held Saturday, Oct. 13th.

Doors open at 5 p.m. at Bontrager's, located at 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

Dinner by Roviso Catering will be from 5:15 – 7 p.m.

Music by Dark Horse Run Band, inset photo left, is from 7 – 11 p.m.

There will be 50/50 raffle, raffles and auction and their famous Pie Auction.

Tickets are $20 cash and are for pre-sale only.

They can be purchased tonight at Bontrager’s Auction Barn or at Crossroads House, or contact Bob at (585) 762-8585 or Penny at (585) 356-3413.

GCEDC brings job opportunities to Southside residents at St. Anthony's

By Howard B. Owens

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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."

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Kathryn Kempisty and Brittany Nadrowski, Remedy Staffing.

Get your own piece of Van Detta Stadium with any monetary donation to BCSD Foundation on Oct. 13

By Billie Owens

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.

Le Roy math teacher selected for Master Teacher program

By Howard B. Owens

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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!"

Ed Arnold Scrap honored for support of regional recycling

By Howard B. Owens

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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.

Parents of car-accident victim seek donations and goods for memorial benefit to fund Oakfield sports

By Billie Owens

From Lori Manzella:

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.)

Zonta Club preparing for sixth annual Holiday Festival next month at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(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 60th 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.)

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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