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Announcements

City seeks residents to serve on Audit Advisory Committee

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Audit Advisory Committee was established to provide oversight to the financial and compliance reporting process, external audit process and control environment. 

If you are interested in serving on the Audit Advisory Committee, please submit your application (which can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office or found on our website, www.batavianewyork.com) to the City Clerk’s Office by June 30th.

The Committee aids in the communication between the City Manager and the independent auditor in areas including integrity of the City’s financial statement, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the performance, qualifications and independence of the auditors.

The Committee will be responsible for meeting with the auditor’s prior to the audit, reviewing risk assessment, reviewing the draft financial statements and making a recommendation on acceptance of the external audit reports to the City Manager. Additional responsibilities include reviewing the management letter and establishing internal controls. The Committee is made up of three City residents and two Council members.

Thank you for your interest!

City Council seeks volunteers to serve on Deer Management Committee

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City Council is seeking interested individuals to take part in a Deer Management Committee. The committee will be comprised of both citizens and city staff members and will seek to identify and quantify the deer problem within the city and explore all deer management techniques.

The outcome will be a definition of the problem, an outline of all techniques utilized by other communities and identified as best practices to deal with the problem, and a comprehensive list of resources including costs associated with each management practice.  From there, City Council will decide which, if any, deer management practice to initiate for the City of Batavia.

Council is seeking individuals from a diverse background and who are interested in this subject matter. Individuals should reside within the City of Batavia. All interested individuals should submit their application, which can be obtained from the City Clerk’s office or online at www.batavianewyork.com, by June 30th.  Thank you for your interest in this committee!

Batavia Councilman Tabelski gets endorsement of 'independence Party

By Billie Owens

City Councilman At-Large Adam Tabelski is pleased to announce that he has received the endorsement of the Independence Party in his campaign to continue serving on the Batavia City Council.

“I’m delighted to have the support of the Independence Party and its members as we work together to create a better Batavia,” Tabelski said. “From revitalizing our downtown to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, the City is on the right track in meeting its residents’ needs. Of course, there is always more to do.”

Tabelski was appointed to fill a vacant City Council At-Large position in January and now he is running to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term.  He was previously endorsed by the City of Batavia Republican Committee. 

Second Annual Beertavia Craft Beer Festival is June 18 in the parking lot at Bank Street and Alva Place downtown

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to host the Second Annual Beertavia Craft Beer Festival, with major sponsorship by Alex’s Place, on Saturday, June 18th from 3-6 p.m. in the Bank & Alva parking lot (27 Bank St.) in Downtown Batavia.

Advanced purchase tickets are $10 for designated drivers (must be 21 to enter festival), $25 for regular admission and $35 for VIPs. (Tickets on the day of increase to $30 and $40, respectively.) All designated drivers receive complimentary drink and food. A regular ticket holder receives a sampler 5 oz. glass. VIPs receive a 16 oz. pint glass and earlier admission at 2 p.m.

Sixteen breweries will be on hand to serve samples of their craft creations including 42 North Brewing, 810 Meadworks, Abandon Brewing, Amber Lantern Brewing, Bandwagon Brewery, Big Ditch Brewing Co., Community Beer Works, CB Craft Brewers, Ellicottville, Four Mile Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Ommegang, Resurgence, RG Brewery, Rohrbach Brewing Co., and Southern Tier Brewing Company.

In addition to the breweries, the festival will have a temporary parklet/ biergarten; food from Alex’s Place and other local vendors, and music provided by The Bluesy Band. All persons must be 21 to enter the festival.

Flowers, fruit, veggies, coffee, crafts and more at Downtown Batavia Public Market starting this Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to announce the beginning of the season for the Genesee Country Farmers’ Market located at the Downtown Batavia Public Market.

The market is located at Bank and Alva streets and will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays beginning this Friday, June 10th until Oct. 28th.

The market will offer fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, coffee, crafts and more.

Please come this Friday to join the many others who support the newly merged markets and to support the Downtown with this new venture.

For questions regarding the market, please contact Market President Bob Austen at (585) 991-8339.

Mercy Flight's annual Summer Open House at Batavia Home Depot is June 18

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This year is a special year for Mercy Flight WNY as we are celebrating our 35th year of operation.

Batavia Mercy Flight & Mercy EMS will be having our annual summer open house Satruday, June 18th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Batavia Home Depot, located at 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

We are planning to have Mercy Flight land at noon for tours as well has have some ambulances from the Mercy EMS fleet on display and tours, too.

During the event we will have various family activities and an ongoing 50/50 and Chinese Auction during the event. 

Their will be various police, and fire departments doing demos and speaking with the community and showing off their vehicles, too. The City of Batavia will also have its Child Safety Seat technicians out to check car seats. If possible, bring both the child and the car seat with you, so they know its properly installed and fits the child using the car seat.

If you have any questions or wish to make a donation for the Chinese auction table, please contact Base Coordinator Lynn O'Donnell at 716-864-5060 or lodonnell@mercyflight.org and she will be happy to assist you.

BHS to hold premiere cheer camp at Vandetta Stadium in July, registration deadline is July 8

By Billie Owens

Children ages 5 to 12 years old are invited to join the Batavia High School cheerleaders at their premiere cheer camp Friday and Saturday, July 29-30, at Vandetta Stadium. The stadium is located at 120 Richmond Ave. in Batavia.

Both days are mandatory. Cost is $40 and will include a camp T-shirt and pizza on Saturday.

Camp on Friday is from 1 to 5 p.m. On Satruday, it's from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a performance for parents at noon.

There will be a cheer merchandise booth for the participants to purchase extra apparel and bows.

Registration is due by July 8.

Questions? Call Melissa Swinehart at 202-6504 or Sherri Wahr at 356-0639.

****************

Mail registration fee, payable to Batavia Cheer Boosters, along with a piece of paper with the cheerleader's name, age, name of parent or guardian, phone number, and shirt size to:

Batavia High School

Attn: Cheer Booster

260 State St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Batavia Muckdogs seek local host families for 2016 baseball season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Would you like to live with the next Ryan Howard or Chase Utley? 

The Batavia Muckdogs are again seeking local families to assist in housing players during the 2016 baseball season.

Anyone can help provide lodging for this year's Muckdogs by either providing space or renting a room, apartment, or home. While many host families come back year after year, the team is always looking to add to their list of availability for the players.   

Host families play a crucial role in helping young players feel comfortable in a new environment. Many who have hosted players in the past have had incredibly wonderful experiences. However, with players coming and going throughout the season, we have constant needs as far as housing goes.

The 2016 season runs from June 17 until Sept. 5 and players typically range from 18-23 years of age. Because of the players schedule, they typically spend about 40 nights in their host family home. 

Anyone in need of more information on becoming a host family is invited to contact the Muckdogs’ office at (585) 343-5454 or tsick@muckdogs.com. You can also call our housing coordinator Shirley Fanara directly at (585) 356-3411.

****************************************

The Batavia Muckdogs are the short-season, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and are the last remaining founding member of the New York-Penn League, dating back to 1939. The Batavia Muckdogs are operated by the neighboring Rochester Red Wings.

Location: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020

Phone: 585-343-5454; Fax: 585-343-5620

Website: www.muckdogs.com

Big thanks for Sixth Annual Unity in the Community

By Billie Owens

A BIg Thanks to All for the Sixth Annual Unity in the Community!

I would like to thank everyone that attended our Sixth Annual Unity in the Community last Sunday, May 29th, at Williams Park, Batavia, especially the Williams family (Della and Amos), whom suffered a tragic loss.

I also would like to thank several sponsors who donated to our event: Ken Mistler from City Slickers, Paul Berardini of Big Pauly’s Pizza, Wendy Caraballo and Brandon Armstrong of Royals Barbershop/Salon, McDonald’s for the kids’ certificates, and Jacqueline Patterson and Freda Polk from Darien Lake.

I would also like to thank the incredible staff that put this whole event together: Denise Pask, Fawn and Marcus Mobley, Kristy Turner, Alicia Phillips, Kayla Griffin, Chris Mcclinic, Terry Smith, Edward Woods Jr, Ken Griffin, Ray Williams and Blake Polito of AudioHeartbeat, Jerry Smith, Kelly James, Katie Ettinger, Victor Thomas, Katrina Bloom, Alyssa McKenzie and Tzyonah Reese.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing such a wonderful event for not only the kids, but for the adults as well. Here’s to an awesome next year! Keep up the good work!

Jessica Polk

Batavia

Five more Medicaid 101 seminars to be held this year at Independent Living of the Genesee Region

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has announced that the overwhelming success of its "Medicaid 101" introductory seminars in May, and public demand for more, has prompted the Agency to hold additional sessions, monthly, from June to October.

Once again, the general public is invited to attend any of the FREE hour-long seminars on the benefits, requirements and application procedures for health care assistance for low-income individuals from New York State Medicaid.

The classes will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., on the first Tuesday of the month at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia, starting June 7th.

Those interested can receive more information, get a Resource Packet with Medicaid materials, and sign up for the seminars by calling David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415. But please be sure to RSVP if you are interested! If no one signs up for a particular month’s seminar in advance, it will be cancelled!

The instructor, ILGR facilitated enroller David Dodge, has described the seminars: “Medicaid 101 will be a presentation designed to help the community better understand Medicaid and the benefits that come with Medicaid coverage. In addition, our Medicaid Application Assistance Program (MAAP) will be discussed, so participants can be informed about the option to have someone assist them with their application should they choose to apply.

“This would also be an opportunity for folks to schedule an appointment with me. However, we would not be providing actual Medicaid application assistance at this event, due to its public nature and our HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) government-mandated privacy obligations.”

Development project on East Main Street, Batavia, a success

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Here's an update on the 438 E. Main St. development project.

Dave and Robyn Tufts are pleased to announce that the four newly created hi-line apartments at that address were successfully converted from vacant, decaying buildings to vibrant mixed-use space and are all under lease.

Eight young, out-of-town medical professionals, are the new tenants. Surely this is what it takes to keep a city growing and moving forward and we are proud to have brought them to Batavia.

The commercial space is available for someone seeking a highly visible, modern and accessible ground floor location for their office or medical practice.

For more information, e-mail Royn Tufts at:   robyn.tufts@gmail.com

Richmond library to dedicate Roy Mason paintings in honor of the late Ted & Rosemary Surowka

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is hosting a Reception and Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 pm. 

All are invited to the dedication of the library’s Roy Mason paintings in memory of the late Ted and Rosemary Surowka, commemorating their many years of service to the Batavia City Schools and the Richmond Memorial Library.

A performance by the musical group “Folk ‘o the Road” will follow. More information is available in the library and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Corfu Free Library hosts Reading Invasion at Darien Lakes State Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Residents, friends and patrons of the Corfu Free Library are invited to come to Darien Lakes State Park for an evening of reading at 7 p.m. on June Wednesday, June 8. 

The June 8 Reading Invasion will take place at Darien Lakes State Park, located at 10475 Harlow Road in Darien Center, on the island, which you can access via a footbridge.

A Reading Invasion is a way to simply enjoy reading your favorite book with others. There are no discussions, no rules, just a time to read together in public. 

Participants are invited to bring family, friends, a comfortable chair or blanket and of course, a book.

The raffle for the “Anne of Green Gables” gift basket will also take place at the conclusion of the Reading Invasion. Tickets will be available at the event and are $1 each. The gift basket features an Anne of Green Gables doll and three books in the Anne of Green Gables, the popular series written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

The Corfu Free Library periodically hosts Reading Invasions at different locations throughout the year. Residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org, stop by 7 Maple Avenue in Corfu for program information, or call the library at (585) 599-3321.

UPDATED: Scrap metal drive to benefit shelter animals set for June 4-5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Come out and support the animals of the Genesee County Animal Shelter by donating scrap metal.

Volunteers for Animals are collecting scrap metal to raise money for the animals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 5th in the parking lot at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Metal of any kind will be accepted: railings, doors, garbage cans, file cabinets, bicycle frames, gutters, pipes, poles, fencing, window frames, lawn furniture, tools, shelving, washing machines, dryers, stoves, wheel barrows, wagons, etc.

We CANNOT take propane tanks, air-conditioning units, or refrigerators.

Scrap service provided by Ed Arnold EAS Scrap Processors of Corfu.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m., June 1: Due to the overwhelming response from donors wishing to have their scrap metal items picked up, the Volunteers for Animals are going to be extra busy doing just that between now and the weekend. So people are encouraged to find a way to bring their own scrap metal donations to the site, if arrangements have not already been made.

GC 4-H youth compete at state Horse Communications event

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo: Alexandria Tarbell, left, and Alianna Baris.

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2016 New York State 4-H Horse Communications Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, May 14! Representing Genesee County 4-H in the Junior Individual Presentations category were Alianna Baris from the Mystic Riders Club and Alexandria Tarbell from the Rustic Riders Club.

4-H youth from across New York State came together to compete in the NYS 4-H  Horse Communications Contest, which is an event for qualifying youth (decided at the regional level) to compete and show off public speaking and communication skills. The event is centered around the horse world, encompassing a wide variety of topics.

The communications program offered by 4-H is one of the most beneficial programs, allowing youth to learn and practice public speaking skills that can be used in future.

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and the NYS Horse Program are proud of all the youth who participated in this educational event.  Congratulations ladies!

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or e-mailgenesee4h@cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

GC Master Gardeners free lunchtime monthly series 'Garden Talk' to begin June 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This summer join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our monthly series, “Garden Talk."

Taught by Master Gardeners, the programs will be held once month, during the “lunch hour” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Bring your lunch to the CCE office (420 E. Main St, Batavia) and join us to learn more about gardening! This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

The next program will be held June 7 with the topic, “Introduction to Beneficial Insects." Most of the insects that live in your garden or landscape are beneficial. They do little or no harm to you or your plants. Some of these good guys even provide free pest control for you. So who are these allies? Come find out at our June session.

On July 12 learn about propagating perennials from cuttings. If you are looking for an easy way to create more plants for your garden, we’ll offer you some tips during this program.

Join us on Aug. 2 for a demonstration on using flowers from your garden to make beautiful arrangements.

Need a Garden Talk schedule? Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101. Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Web site at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

Independent Living in Batavia offers free grief and loss support groups starting June 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Anyone who is dealing with the pain of a loved one’s passing, or other heartaches, is welcome to attend any of eight FREE grief and loss support groups to be held at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), starting June 7th.

They will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the next four months, at ILGR’s offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The precise dates are: June 7th and 21st, July 5th and 19th, Aug. 2nd and 16th, and Sept. 6th and 20th.

Group facilitator David Dodge described its purpose and structure: “This group is an opportunity for members to discuss what they are currently experiencing, relating to grief and loss, in order to feel a sense of increased support. We will also be doing some activities in order to get participants to do self-reflection related to what they are thinking or feeling.”

Participants are requested to register, beforehand. To do so or get more information, please call David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415.

Salvation Army to hold free summer program for kids on Thursdays: 'Expedition Norway'

By Billie Owens

"Expedition Norway" is the theme of a free summer program for children in grades K-6 sponsored by The Salvation Army.

It will be held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 14 through Aug. 25 at the headquarters at 529 E. Main St. in the city.

Transportation to and from The Salvation Army is available to children in the city.

A morning snack and lunch is provide each week.

Participants can experience the unique food, fun games and activities of Norway. Make new firends and learn about an amazing culture. There will also be incredible music and surprising adventures!

Attend four out of the six sessions and get a free pass to the Niagara Falls Aquarium.

Phone 343-6284.

GC Church World Service CROP WALK Committee thanks all who helped raise more than $4,300 this year

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On behalf of the Genesee County Church World Service CROP WALK Committee, we would like to thank all who participated, either by walking or supporting someone who did. This year the walk raised more than $4,300.

Walking in Batavia and the Village of Corfu, more than 100 people, from children to senior citizens, came together to raise money, helping to provide hunger-related education and services locally and throughout the world.

Local recipients included the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program and Genesee County United Way’s Backpack Program. Non-perishable food items were also donated and given to the food pantry in Genesee County.

Next year’s walk is scheduled for April 29th. All are welcome to join in the planning and in helping to raise awareness and funding, one step at a time.

(Rev. James Morasco, Morganville United Church of Christ)

Independent Living offers four introductory classes on Medicaid benefits

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The general public is invited to attend any of four FREE hour-long seminars on the benefits, requirements and application procedures for health care assistance for low-income individuals from New York State Medicaid.

Dubbed “Medicaid 101,” they will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., and 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 24, at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia.

The instructor, ILGR Facilitated Enroller David Dodge, describes the seminars: “Medicaid 101 will be a presentation designed to help the community better understand Medicaid and the benefits that come with Medicaid coverage. In addition, our Medicaid Application Assistance Program (MAAP) will be discussed, so participants can be informed about the option to have someone assist them with their application should they choose to apply. 

“This would also be an opportunity for folks to schedule an appointment with me. However, we would not be providing actual Medicaid application assistance at this event due to its public nature and our HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) government-mandated privacy obligations.”

Those interested can receive more information, get a Resource Packet with Medicaid materials, and sign up for the seminars by calling David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415.

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