Press release:

Following the kickoff of National Financial Planning Month in October, Tompkins Community Bank has announced the launch of Smart Spend, a unique new checking account that qualifies for “Bank On” certification.  

The new product aims to expand community access to banking through the elimination of overdraft fees for account holders. In addition to minimizing opportunities to overdraw, the Smart Spend accounts have no minimum balance requirement, making it one of Tompkins’ most inclusive banking options for underbanked or previously unbanked community members.   

“Offering Smart Spend will make banking more equitable and accessible for all in our community, and it’s an important step in the right direction,” said John McKenna, president of Tompkins, Western New York and CEO of Tompkins Community Bank. “It’s our hope that Smart Spend will cater to the ever-growing diversity of financial needs we serve, and allow more individuals to establish a financial footprint, securely build their credit history and develop healthy saving and spending habits.” 

As part of its ongoing commitment to offering financial education, Tompkins hosts an ongoing series of free, virtual webinars on a variety of topics, including fraud protection, first-time homebuying, and overall financial wellness. For a schedule of upcoming events and instructions on registering, please visit https://www.tompkinsbank.com/about-us/community-events. 

Smart Spend is now available in all 16 branches serving the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming and Erie Niagara counties in Western New York. Key features of the account include a monthly maintenance cost of only $5.00, no overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees, the ability to pay bills and make purchases, and federal deposit insurance. In addition to the new program, Tompkins has also developed a corresponding Smart Spend savings account, available only to Smart Spend checking account holders. For more information, please visit https://www.tompkinsbank.com/. 

Smart Spend is officially certified by the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards for 2021–2022. The national safe account Standards, co-created by consumer advocates, leading national nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and other financial institutions, designate both core and strongly recommended features that ensure low cost, high functionality, and consumer safety. 

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has once again been designated a “Best Practices” Agency, recognizing it as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies across the United States. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has included the Batavia-based agency in its “Best Practices” group for the fourth consecutive year. After a full review of its financial stability and operational excellence, Tompkins Insurance was one of the 282 agencies to qualify, chosen from more than 2,600 independent agencies nationwide.   

The Big “I” and Reagan Consulting of Atlanta, Ga., have collaborated since 1993 to conduct this annual study of industry-leading independent insurance agencies. The study focuses on business practices, including revenue growth and profitability, financial stability, expense management, and sales and operations productivity.  

“To be named a ‘Best Practices’ agency for the fourth year running is an honor we don’t take lightly,” said David S. Boyce, president and CEO of Tompkins Insurance. “It proves, for us, that our mission to offer local, personalized and independent services for clients in communities within Western New York, Central New York and Southeastern Pennsylvania is working. And we aim to continue serving businesses within these communities at a high level for years to come.” 

This recognition comes on the heels of Tompkins Insurance being ranked again this Fall among the Top 100 commercial insurance agencies in the U.S., by both Business Insurance and Insurance Journal. 

Press release:

Sixth Grade students at Pembroke Intermediate School participated in the Korman Challenge Reading Contest during the month of October.

Students were challenged to read a book written by author Gordon Korman during the month to be invited to the Korman Party, which was held on Nov. 4.

By the end of the month, 24 students completed the challenge!

Students were invited to a special party where they watched a special video message from Gordon Korman himself! Students then received a special certificate recognizing their achievement.

To wrap up the special day, students enjoyed pizza generously donated by Homeslice Pizzeria 33! 

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.  This marks the tenth year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day. 

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said John Persons, president of Tops Friendly Markets.  “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. Since the inception of the Tops 11% military discount, Tops has saved veterans and their families $681,317 on their groceries.  The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, the 10th Anniversary Veterans Race, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders. 

Press release:

November is designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a global effort to reduce stigma for a disease that affects both smokers and non‐smokers and takes more lives annually than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers – combined.

Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, but lung cancer can occur in people that have never smoked. Other risk factors include being exposed to secondhand smoke, having a family history of lung cancer, exposure to asbestos, and exposure to radon gas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated of 21,000 Americans die from radon-related lung cancer every year.

The leading cause of lung cancer amongst non-smokers is radon exposure. Radon is a clear, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is naturally found in the Earth. Radon dissolves in groundwater and forms pockets under homes and buildings. The primary method of radon exposure is through cracks in home foundations, new or old. In fact, one-fifth of all houses in the United States have dangerous levels of radon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk for developing lung cancer significantly increases. 

Homes with a radon level over 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/l) need to be evaluated by a Certified Radon Mitigator to determine the type of radon reduction system that may need to be installed.  “By knowing your home's radon level and reducing it if necessary, you can protect yourself and your family,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Testing for radon is fast and inexpensive and is the only way to determine the radon levels in your home. GO Health encourages residents to test for radon when buying a home, doing a major renovation, every 2 years if there is a mitigation system installed or every 5 years otherwise. When purchasing a new house, make sure the seller completes a radon test kit and has the results available.  If you are building a new home, make sure to have radon-resistant construction features installed and tested prior to moving in.

You can purchase a short-term radon test kit from your local hardware store or through a radon-testing laboratory. For more information about radon visit, https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/radon.htm. For more information about radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit www.GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

The folks at the Haxton Memorial Library are helping adults and children get into the holiday spirit with two special craft nights at the library. The session for adults is on Thursday, November 17 and the children’s program is on Thursday, December 8 at the library. Both start at 6:45 and run until 8 p.m.

Becky O’Donnell will provide step-by-step directions in the making of both a greeting card and an ornament that participants can take with them and use for the holidays. Becky is a talented local crafter who loves to share and inspire people through paper arts.

“I have been stamping for over 30 years and teaching for 25. I do this mainly to make people happy and share the joy of creating something special,” she says. 

Both programs are a part of the "Talented Thursdays" at the Haxton Memorial Library, where local artists share their talents with community members and create different forms of art.

Participation is free, materials are all provided, and registration is necessary. These programs are open to anyone interested in crafting and enjoying some socialization with the other crafters in the group.

For more information or to sign up, stop by the Haxton Memorial Library at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield or call (585) 948-9900.

This project is made possible with funds from the statewide community regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GOART!

The Haxton Memorial Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Press release:

Kids of all ages are invited to take a StoryWalk outside the Haxton Memorial Library along the sidewalk on Drake Street. A StoryWalk is an outdoor reading activity that allows children, families, and people of all ages to read a story placed on posts in a row, combining literacy and activity into one enjoyable experience. 

The story outside for the Fall season this year is Froggy’s Halloween by Jonathan London. The lovable and trouble-prone Froggy tries to find the right costume for Halloween. While his trick-or-treating does not go as he planned, he certainly enjoys himself anyway.

To make the experience even sweeter, children can stop inside the library after reading the story and answer a question about it for a special treat.

To read this fun tale and get a treat, stop by the Haxton Memorial Library at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield.

The Haxton Memorial Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Submitted photo.

Press release:

On Thursday, Nov. 3, Byron-Bergen Elementary students took part in the Turkey Trot.

The annual run through the district’s scenic nature trail is designed to promote physical health, life-long fitness habits, and community service. The run is just under 1 mile and takes place during Physical Education class time. It is the culmination of a unit in which students train on the track and on the trails to prepare for the event.

“I love this event,” said Physical Education Teacher Danielle Carson. “I hope it helps the students realize that, if they work hard, they can do hard things. I also hope they understand that when we work together, we can help our community.”

In addition to taking part in the run, students were invited to donate wrapping paper or ribbon to the Byron-Bergen School District Holiday Gift Drive. The annual community service project provides holiday gift items to local families in need. Students have the rest of November to bring in their donations, but Carson has already collected over 100 items. 

Photos by Gretchen Spittler.

Press Release

It's official! The 2022 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Men's Soccer Championship will be played at Genesee Community College in Batavia Wednesday to Sunday.

Spectator tickets for championship matches will be on sale at GCC's Richard C. Call Arena only. All spectator ticket purchases must be made in cash and an ATM is available on campus:

Daily Passes are $10 per adult. Children ages 10 and younger are free. Tournament Passes are $20 per adult.
Genesee Community College students, staff and faculty can attend this event for free. Parking is free.

The entire event will also be broadcast on the NJCAA Network and available through the following pay-per-view options:

Single Day Passes are $10
Tournament Passes are $25
Championship Game Only Passes are $5
All-Access Passes which include all 2022-23 NJCAA Championship events are $100

The nationally ranked Genesee Community College Men's team earned the third seed in the NJCAA National Championship on October 30 with their win over Mohawk Valley Community College in the Region III, Division III, North B District Finals.

"Genesee Community College is honored to host the 2022 NJCAA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament," said Director of Athletics Kristen Schuth. "I congratulate all of the student athletes on their hard work and dedication on their quest for a NJCAA National Title. We are grateful that our state-of-the-art facilities were chosen to be part of that."

For more information, contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Photo submitted by GCC.

Press Release

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Annual
Membership Meeting on Nov. 17 at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet
Facility, 5122 Clinton St., Batavia.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., Buffet Lunch begins promptly at noon.

Cost $25 per person.

The Agenda for the Meeting will be a review of 2022, a look ahead into 2023 and election of 2023 Chamber Board Members. To register directly online, visit the Chamber’s website here or call Kelly B. at 585-343-7440, ext. 1026.

Deadline for registration is Friday.

Press Release

Continuing the community service it has offered for years, the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies is enabling citizens with disabilities to participate in the electoral process by offering FREE curb-to-curb rides in its vans, one standard and one wheelchair-lift-equipped, to polling places in Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties.

This includes daytime rides to the Early Voting Sites through Friday November 4th: There are 11 in the Districts in the City of Buffalo, and 27 in the various other Erie County municipalities, four spread throughout Niagara County, and one site in Genesee County.  The addresses are found on the websites of your Boards of Elections. 

Also, of course, we offer voters with disabilities rides to their local polling places between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov.8.  Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and seats are extremely limited!  We cannot guarantee they will be available if they are requested the day of the event. 

Please learn the address of your polling site and make your reservations as soon as possible at 716-836-0822, extension 108 or 150.

Voting is your right and duty as a citizen, and it is our pleasure to assist!

 

Al Kurek (top photo) has a goal: To open a museum honoring veterans, the men and women from the GLOW region who served and sacrificed in the name of freedom.

He and fellow volunteers have already started collecting items to display, and some of those items have been set up for the public to view at 85 Main St., Batavia (the former Next Level Fitness location). 

"You have to know where we were in our history to know where we're going in the country," Kurek said. "You have to have personal knowledge of the sacrifices our veterans made, just to keep peace in the world. keep us safe."

The display features uniforms worn by the men and women from the GLOW region who served.  The donations were solicited through the Veteran's Services Office.  On Friday, about 20 volunteers helped install the display at the vacant gym.  The displays are on display through the windows (there's no entry).

The uniforms will be on display until Nov. 15.

Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11.

Photos by Howard Owens

As an elected official and small business owner himself, George Borrello said he's always found it important to maintain a relationship with the small business owners he represents.

He hopes to represent the business owners in Batavia, if he's successful in his campaign to represent Genesee County as part of the 57th State Senate District, so on Saturday, he toured several businesses in Downtown Batavia.

After COVID lockdowns, workforce challenges, a minimum wage increase, the increased cost of doing business in New York, it's more important than ever, Borrello said, for him to talk with his fellow small business owners.

"I just want to make sure I'm in touch with the folks here," said Borrello, a former member of the Legislature in Cattaraugus County and current holder of the 57th District (which won't include Genesee County until next year).  

He applauded the effort of downtown businesses in Batavia to band together and revitalize their community.

He said supporting locally owned businesses is important because small businesses are what drives New York's economy.

"First of all, 50 percent of our economy in New York State is supported by small business," Borello said. "They employ 50 percent of every working person in New York State. But right now, especially if you're talking about the economic driver, of our nation, it is small business. So if we allow the businesses to languish, then it's going to destroy the quality of life in communities like Batavia. It's also going to have a negative impact on our overall economy. So for me, supporting all the small businesses that are the backbone of the economy, is part of the mission of ensuring that New York stays strong."

On Saturday, Borrello visited Valle Jewelers, Eli Fish Brewing Co., Charles Men's Shop, Hunt Realtors, and Adam Miller Toy and Bike.

And there might have been a little Christmas shopping involved.

"I prefer to do what I can to support fellow local businesses," Borrello said. "But also, I found that's a better, more unique way to find gifts that I would have never thought of. So for me, it's also been a great way to, to kind of do some enhanced Christmas shopping and provide the people that I give gifts to with some unique stuff."

Photos by Howard Owens. George Borrello visiting Valle Jewelers and speaking with co-owner Carrie Lawrence.

Photo by Joanne Meiser.

Saturday was a smooth success as several children took to the ice for the Try Hockey for Free program at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.

The Event was part of USA Hockey Week Across America with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, and is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. This local event was hosted by the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association.

There were 30 kids registered for the hour of free lessons, which included free skate rentals, hockey sticks and pucks.

"It was a great adventure for all of the children as well as for their families," Coordinator Sharon Valyear-Gray said.  "They mentioned that they didn’t know what to expect, but the miracle of seeing their little ones actually skating and using the hockey sticks so proudly when they fell, and that they could get back up with the help of the stick.

"Seeing the excitement and experiencing the energy in the room when the little ones come off the ice makes all the work that goes on behind the scene so worth the effort," she said.

The lead coach was Erik Triftshauser, along with Fred Hamilton and many of the players from the United Hockey Team came to assist.  Matt Gray, the operator of the McCarthy Ice Arena, as well as his children Lilly and Leo, who is a goalie and played in net so the little ones could have the total experience, also participated, she said.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Batavia City Centre's concourse was bustling with sellers and shoppers during a vendor fair fundraiser hosted by and for All Babies Cherished Saturday in Batavia. Dozens of merchants and crafts people put their wares on display for early holiday shopping or to purchase a special treat to take home. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Several 750-plus series and a 290 game highlighted this week's league bowling action in the Genesee Region USBC.

At Medina Lanes today, John Ross of Middleport led the way in the Sunday Rolloffs League with a 787 series. His games were 246-263-278.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Mike Lyons of Elba kept the hot hand with a 762 series in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League. His games were 247-247-268.

And at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Matt Balduf led the way in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League with a 759 series. His games were 275-259-225, while James Townsend fired a 290 game and 710 series in the Tuesday Coed League.

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

Pavilion, Notre Dame, and Le Roy are all Section champions, having won their respective finals matches in Girls Volleyball.

Pavilion beat Cuba-Rushford three games to one for the Class D2 crown, and Notre Dame beat Charles Finney three games to two to win in Class D3.

The Class D wins sets up a consolidation game between Pavilion and Notre Dame on Tuesday at a location to be determined.

Le Roy beat East Rochester three games to two for the C2 championship. Le Roy will play Midlakes in a Class C consolidation game on Tuesday, location to be determined.