Announcements

Press release:

We are thrilled to announce that Lowe’s has awarded the Le Roy Jr. /Sr. High School $3,500 in funding for our “Builders Club” project.

The grant was written as a collaboration between our instructional tech coach, Jen Bertrand, and our Technology Education teacher, Matt Kleehammer. The grant application was based on the goal of an authentic opportunity for our students to project plan, build, create, and connect with our school and surrounding community.

We look forward to sharing the “Builders Club” with the Le Roy community. We expect that this project will be up and running this September with students able to take real-time staff or community building requests and turn them into a reality.

Our school and community will greatly benefit from this grant. We wish to thank our friends at Lowe’s for generously supporting this important project! 

All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible for the Toolbox for Education program. More information is available at www.ToolboxforEducation.com.

Press release:

Locating affordable, accessible housing has long been a crucial need of senior citizens and people with disabilities who wish to live independently in the community. In a concerted effort to address this concern, Office for the Aging of Genesee County and Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) are holding a FREE buffet-style Landlords’ Breakfast, to which owners who rent housing in Genesee County are invited.

We are “rolling out the red carpet” by holding the event at Terry Hills Golf and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street, Batavia, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31.

Landlords will have the opportunity to share applicant and tenant issues, and we will share information about the programs and wrap-around services we provide for renters.  For those landlords who generally see a high turnover rate, you can learn how ILGR can help to support your tenants, to encourage a more prolonged tenancy.

Those who plan to attend must pre-register, so there will be enough food on-hand. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411. 

This program is made possible through funds from the New York State Office for the Aging, NY Connects, the Older Americans Act, and the generous support of the Genesee County Legislature and Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

The Knox Choir, a youth choir from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio, is coming to Batavia on Wednesday, June 7, to perform a free concert.

The youth choir will be touring this summer and performing at different communities in the Northeast.

Batavia will be this tour's debut performance. It's at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

A wide variety of music will be sung, including works by Faure and Bach, as well as music from the Gospel tradition, and songs from around the globe.

Since 2007, this choir has completed eight tours, including three Presbyterian Heritage Tours of Scotland.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that his 10^th annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C,. will take place Sept. 21 – 24. More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2016 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.

Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006.

Only veterans who have never been on the trip before may sign up now. After Aug. 1, veterans who have been on the trip before and those living outside of the 139^th Assembly District may apply. The approximate cost of the trip is $350, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea after a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.

"Through the experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for these reasons that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and have solidified it as one of the staples of my service to our community.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

• White House 
• WWII Memorial
• Gettysburg Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial
• Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
• American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
• Air Force Memorial
• 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon
• Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
• Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns – Vietnam Veterans

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip X, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Press release:

The Genesee Country Farmers' Market located at the Downtown Batavia Public Market opens for the season on Friday, June 9th, at the market's location on the corner of Bank Street and Alva Place in the Downtown Batavia Business District.

Market hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with the season running from Friday, June 9th, through Friday, Oct. 27th.

"This year marks the second year of collaboration with BID (Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District)," says Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market, presently in this year's planning stages, is working to build upon last year's successful merger of the 10-year old BID Downtown Batavia Public Market with the 43-year-old Genesee Country Farmers' Market.

"The Market remains a 'Grow-Your-Own' market featuring the freshest locally grown produce along with unique specialty items. Vendors are excited about the upcoming market season with many of last year's vendors returning along with some new additions. The market will once again participate in the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), NYS FreshConnect, WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Check Programs. Stop by and talk directly to the people that grow your food."

Parties interested in joining the market to become a Seasonal Vendor or Day Vendor may contact Sharon Brent at (716)-560-0853 or by email at sharon_brent@hotmail.com or Mike Bakos at (716) 866-4958 or by email at mbakos@rochester.rr.com.

Qualifying charities, service groups, or 501c3 organizations that would like to participate in the market may obtain a FREE market stall by contacting the market at (716) 866-4958 or by email at mbakos@rochester.rr.com.

• National Anthem sung by Mary Brady
• Reading of names and placement of flags for veterans who have died over the past year
• Memorial Day Guest Speaker: Rev. David Jones
• Musical selections by the Le Roy High School Band
• Closing with playing of “Taps” and Firing Squad Volley

Items are now being accepted at the Genesee County Animal Shelter for the Volunteers for Animals' big annual garage sale next month to benefit homeless pets.

NO CLOTHES OR TVs will be accepted! 

Drop off items at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, during its hours of operation:

• Monday -- 1 to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday -- 1 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday -- 1 to 3 and 7 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday -- CLOSED
• Friday -- 1 to 3 p.m.
• Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday 1 to 3 p.m.

The garage sale will take place at The Storage Mall, located at 3566 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 15-17.

All proceeds go to aid shelter animals.

Press release:

On Wednesday, May 17, the Genesee County United Way will be employing the resources of 400+ voluteers for the 10^th Annual Day of Caring.

The United Way Day of Caring provides local businesses with volunteer opportunities throughout Genesee County where their employees can harness their energies to make Genesee County a better place to live.

More than 35 nonprofit agencies will benefit from volunteer support to paint, landscape, and perform general beautification projects. 

This year’s event will feature a record number of volunteers. What started out as 70 enthusiastic people 10 years ago has grown to be a signature Genesee County event. A total of 427 volunteers from 38 local businesses and organizations will participate in what is destined to be a great example of people paying it forward in Genesee County.

The kick-off event at Dwyer Stadium at 8 a.m. is sponsored by Lawley Genesee and includes breakfast donated by Batavia Dunkin Donuts and cheers performed by each volunteer team.

Following a great day of hard work at one of 35 worksites, the volunteers will partake in a wrap-up celebration at Terry Hills, sponsored by Oakwood Hills and UMMC. Stories will be told, a slide show of the day will be shown and all will have a good time!

It is estimated that more than 3,200 people hours will be contributed throughout the day with an estimated $48,000 in labor costs provided -- perhaps the largest single volunteering day in Genesee County!

Press release:

WHO: College Village Student Residential Community -- graduating & incoming student residents​

WHAT: College Village Swap Shop

WHERE: The Root / Basement of Hemlock Hall, 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road (adjacent to Genesee Community College, Batavia)

WHEN: Ongoing through May 19

HOW: A FREE take-something / leave-something opportunity for student residents

WHY: At the end of every collegiate year, the dumpsters at many college residential communities are overwhelmed as outgoing students attempt to pack up all of their acquired goods from their apartments and dorm rooms and stuff them into suitcases, totes, cars or boxes, and then toss away what they cannot carry home. This annual process can be an environmental tragedy, especially since in two months the next group of incoming residents begins to acquire many of the same items that were just tossed away!

College Village, the residential community adjacent to Genesee Community College, introduced the "Swap Shop" in 2015 to help stem the environmental waste and also help incoming students.

In its third year, Swap Shop encourages residents to donate any unwanted items that are in good condition, including clothing, kitchen utensils, college gear, electronics and even unopened nonperishable foods and sundries. Swap Shop has passed along everything from working microwave ovens, hair dryers, favorite snacks (just in time for final exams or traveling home), clothing and many other valuable, reusable products.

"Last summer, our incoming international students, many who had just traveled 20-plus hours from very faraway places, were excited and very appreciative of the left-behind ethnic foods and kitchen utensils from the recently departed students," Mary-Clare Stokes, assistant director of Residence Life and Learning recalled.

"They do not have cars and having a few basic items in their new apartments during those first few days is a real asset to them. Swap Shop is a win-win-win for all and we are delighted to continue this program this year."

What remains from the Swap Shop later in the summer will be donated to a local charity. Last year, an entire truck load of reusable household items were donated to Clothes Closet of Varysburg.

Press release:

The newly established NY-27 Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is offering a Climate Advocate Training workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia.

The session is free and open to all residents of NY’s 27th congressional district. It will teach citizens of NY-27 the nuts and bolts of building political (impetus) for a livable climate.

The workshop will mark the beginning of the first CCL chapter in NY’s 27th congressional district, which includes all of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties, and parts of Erie, Monroe, Niagara, and Ontario counties.

James Hansen, Ph.D, former director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, says: "Most impressive is the work of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a relatively new, fast growing, nonpartisan, nonprofit group… If you want to join the fight to save the planet, to save creation for your grandchildren, there is no more effective step you could take than becoming an active member of this group.”

According to Nicholas Kristof in his April 13, 2017 OpEd in The New York Times: “Citizens’ Climate Lobby [has had] an [outsized] influence on policy."

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is completely nonpartisan and achieves change by building respectful relationships with lawmakers and focusing on specific market-based, consumer-friendly solutions that have received support from conservatives and progressives alike.

The May 27th workshop will include a mini-training on lobbying congress. Citizens’ Climate Lobby has an active and growing Conservative Caucus. We are interested in welcoming new conservative members who want to support the growth of clean energy infrastructure, and protect families and communities from the risks of the extreme manifestations of climate change.

“I’ve heard from many Citizens’ Climate Lobby members that joining the organization has made them into truly empowered citizens, and that they can see the results of their work on climate policy,” says Paige Dedrick, of East Aurora, who is taking on the role of group leader for the NY-27 Chapter.

“I am deeply concerned about climate change, and I’ve found CCL to be a great way to impact policy and work with strong, engaged citizens toward a healthy climate and economy. We are hoping to find other members of our community looking for that same kind of opportunity.”

In addition to meeting with our members of Congress, CCL offers many varied roles for volunteers. All are welcome to attend the workshop to learn more. Refreshments will be served at the May 27th meeting; please RSVP to Paige Dedrick, 716-863-3373.

Press release:

An Open House to introduce the Genesee County Housing Needs Assessment and Market Analysis will be held at the Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17.

Those in attendance will be provided with information on the project, given an opportunity to meet the project team, and review project related information.

The Genesee County Housing Needs Assessment and Market Analysis project will document housing needs, analyze the housing market and identify feasible strategies to meet the future housing needs of Genesee County.

The study will address the needs of current residents and identify strategies to accommodate future housing needs in the County including those of seniors, millennials, the emerging workforce, veterans and families. Genesee County, its municipalities and local housing agencies can use the findings of the report to support both rehabilitation and new construction of housing.

The meeting will be in an Open House format with information available on housing in the County and opportunities for residents to provide their input on housing needs within the County.

For individuals with disabilities, requests for reasonable accommodations should be made with at least five days’ notice. Call The Genesee County Planning Department at (585) 815-7901 or email at Felipe.Oltramari@co.genesee.ny.us

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Central School District announces its participation in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Free meals will be provided to all children between the ages of 3 and 18 Monday through Friday, from July 10 through Aug. 11.

Byron Bergen Elementary School will be serving free breakfast from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and free lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. The school is located at 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

Lunch only (not breakfast) will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Byron Town Park on McElver Road, Byron.

Call 585-494-1220, ext. 4234, if you have questions.

Press release from the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency:

Below is the Memorial Day schedule of ceremonies in Genesee County for Monday, May 29. All ceremonies will include at least full military honors: wreath laying, rifle salute and taps.

7 a.m.  –  Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Genesee County Park, sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 193. (GC Park & Forest: 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany)

8 a.m.  –  Williams Park (Batavia) WWI Memorial. This memorial honors the 35 Batavians who gave their lives in the First World War. (Williams Park: 101 Pearl St., Batavia)

8:30 a.m.  --  Batavia VA Medical Center, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the VAMC. (Batavia VAMC: 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia)

8:45 a.m. (approx.)  --  NYS Veterans Home, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the NYS Veterans Home. (NYS Veterans Home: 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia)

9:30 a.m.  --  Upton Monument. This monument honors the dead of the Civil War, and all wars since. (Upton Monument: Junction of Main and Ellicott streets, Downtown Batavia)

10 a.m.  –  Veterans Plot on Harvester Avenue. This memorial honors all war dead of all wars in Elmwood and St. Joseph’s cemeteries.

10:30 a.m.  –  UMMC Jerome Center (16 Bank St., Batavia). This is the site of the Genesee County War Memorial, honoring all war dead from Genesee County. The Batavia Concert Band will perform patriotic music starting at 10 a.m., with ceremonies to follow. The names of county veterans who have died since the previous Memorial Day will be read and a flag placed to honor each of them. Memorial services will be carried out by Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332; Hansen Brothers Marine Corps League Detachment #951; Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602; Disabled American Veterans Chapter #166; and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #193. (Note: There will be a new sound system in use.)

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the ABATE-Genesee County Chapter is hosting a Motorcycle Awareness Ride and 2017 "Bike Blessing" on Saturday, May 13.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 10:45 at Stan's Harley-Davidson dealership at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. A free pancake breakfast will be served from 9 to 10 a.m., courtesy of CMA Barnabas Chapter.

Kick-stands up for ride at 11 a.m. The ride will be about 100 miles long.

At the end of the run, food will be available at Ken's Charcoal Pits on Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

Plus, there will be 50/50 raffles and door prizes.

"Bikers make lousy speed bumps. Drive Aware." Come out and ride and get everyone "used to seeing us back on the road for 2017."

Cost is $15 per rider, $5 per passenger.

For more information, email   roadcaptian110@gmail.com

• Bourbon & Burger Co.
• Center Street Smoke House
• City Slickers Bar & Grill
• O'Lacy's Irish Pub
• T.F. Brown's

Plus, pizza and wings, courtesy of T.F. Brown’s, served at T.F. Brown's between 8 and 9 p.m. June 10 only.

*Must be 21 or older to attend this event. *Event T-shirt MUST be worn to redeem beer tickets. *Please Drink Responsibly. *NO REFUNDS.

For tickets, please contact:

Mark Ditzel @ 585-409-7708

Jennifer Shaffer @ 585-409-9980

In recognition of May being National Electrical Safety Month, Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano and the City of Batavia Fire Department in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) would like to remind all residents of several electrical safety tips.

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCI’s shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. There should be a that indicates the maximum wattage light bulb to use.

Lastly, it is recommended that you call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:

• Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• Discolored or warm wall outlets
• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Sparks from an outlet

If a resident has any questions or concerns regarding any of these tips, they can contact the City of Batavia Fire Headquarters at 585-345-6375.