Announcements

There is a surprise  Christmas Flash Mob being held at 7:00 PM tonight Saturday, December 22 at 7:00 PM at Birchwood village. Friends and community will be meeting outside the home of Don Carroll to sing Christmas Carols. Everyone is  invited!

If you would like to bring a ornament or a note for the Christmas tree outside Don's home that would be great.  Care-A-Van Ministries will have their bus their and will be serving hot chocolate.

Nic Pelton a friend of Don Carrol had been thinking of a way to minister to Don who is battling cancer. Don has given so much of his heart and soul to this community that Nic thought what better way to bring joy than to have friends gather outside Don's home and sing Christmas carols.

This will be a fun way to get the family out on a snowy evening. Let's all gather to give thanks and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- loving others.

Press release:

IR Systems INC (DIRECTV)  in Batavia, NY was notified on 12/12/2012 from DIRECTV Corp. that out of over 5000 dealerships across the nation we

are ranked in the top 20 in the nation. We also received a free all expenses paid trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl . This award was given off the Matrices of the business, a overall

performance from customer service, technical service, sales representation, customer retention and much more.  

Take a guided walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest and learn to snowshoe during a hike Saturday, Jan. 12.

Cost is $8 per session and preregistration and payment are required. Snowshoes will be provided.

Two guided hiking sessions with instructions are available: from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Call 344-1122 to register. The park is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine has opened its fourth location in Batavia at 39 Batavia City Centre. Leonard Kaplan, D.O., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, is a nerve, muscle and bone expert who treats injury and illness non-​surgically to decrease pain and restore function.

Conditions that he treats in partnership with the Genesee County primary care physicians and specialists range from sprains to chronic pains anywhere from head to toe.

Treatment will be provided for:

• Spine injuries
• Occupational injuries
• Degenerative and painful joint/muscle conditions
• Spasticity/dystonia conditions Chronic migraine headaches

Diagnostic testing will include:

• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Ultrasound

Interventional Pain Alleviating Injections will also be offered:

• Fluoroscopic-guided spinal injections
• Ultrasound-guided join injections
• Botox injections for pain

Dr. Kaplan and his team look forward to helping people “take back their lifestyles.”

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine is a nonsurgical physical medicine and rehabilitation practice. For more information, visit www.buffspine.com or call (716) 626-0093.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop presents a local author book signing just in time for Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22. HOLM is located at 131 W. Main St. Batavia.

The following authors will be present to sell and sign their books:

William F. Brown Jr. (of Batavia) – “ The Stafford Story – A golf Club at Ninety.” This is a story of the 90th anniversary of the Stafford Country Club. Pictures and story of the founding and history of the club. Bill has written many interesting history books over the years. A must have for golfers.

Bridgette ni Brian (of Bethany) --  “Azure Maris." What does it mean to be a fish out of water... or a mermaid out of water? Azure Maris, princess of Deep Waters is grounded in the Chesapeake Bay Region and tries to learn how to navigate life above the waves while striving to return home. 

Pam Covert (of Elba) – “And so this is Christmas” is her first published book, which takes place in Colton, NY – in the Adirondacks -- where she grew up. Everything is fiction except the town names. She says “ A blank page looks completely different depending on where you are in life and that page appears in front of you. For Jillian Francis, who prefers to quietly and privately mourn the loss of the father of her unborn child, her blank page becomes filled with “everything baby” and “everything Christmas.” Believing herself to be in one of those spaces between life, when life isn’t really happening, she soon discovers that there is no such space, that life is always happening. With the help of friends and family and her own tendency toward wit and sarcasm, Jillian finds her way back to a life she never expected to live, and never expected to love.  

Rob Thompson (of Attica) -- “Attica: Gateway to the West” and “Attica: Gateway to the Civil War.” He will be signing the books already published and will be talking about his new book “Linden Murders Solved,” which will be available in June 2013.

These books will make great Christmas presents or purchase one for yourself to keep!  

Do your special shopping at the Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop, which will be offering 10 percent and more off holiday items. We have unique items, antiques, large variety of history books and others – new and used. You will be able to find that perfect gift for special people.

The Wonderland of Trees exhibit continues through Jan. 5. A great family event for the holidays.

Press release:

Volunteers made the second annual “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District (Friday, Dec. 7th and Saturday, Dec. 8^th) a huge success.

The BID is proud to have such a dedicated group of volunteers to help out with this event. We wish to thank all of the following for their outstanding efforts and commitment:

Nancy Bachulak -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / O’Lacy’s Irish Pub )

Brenda Richardson -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / Coffee Culture)
Larry Barnes -- (City of Batavia)
Madeline Bialkowski -- (BID Design / Batavia City Centre)

Sharon Burkel -- (Genesee County)

Anthony Condello -- (BID Board)
John Cascell -- (Community Volunteer)
Stephanie Cummings -- (Tompkins Insurance)
Anita Dziekan -- (Community Volunteer)
Dorian Ely -- (Genesee County Senior Center)
Brady Fowler -- (Student, Williamsville South)
Jeff Gillard -- (BID Board)
Donna Gillard -- (Community Volunteer)
Dawn Ireland -- Monsees (Chamber of Commerce)
James Isaac -- (BID Board / Crossroads Abstract)
Krysia Mager -- (BID Board / Bank of Castile)
Paul Marchese -- (BID Board / Marchese Computer)
Michael Marsh -- (BID Promotion / Edward Jones)

John Roche -- (BID Board / Adam Miller Toy & Bike)
Mary Valle -- (BID Board / Valle Jewelers)

A special thanks to BID Assistant Laurie Oltramari for all her hard work.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of our events -- Downtown Public Market, Jackson Square, Summer In The City, Downtown Wine Walk, and Taste of the Holidays -- please contact the Downtown Business Improvement District at: 344-0900. Visit us at www.downtownbataviany.com or Like Us On FaceBook: Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. Happy Holidays!

Press release:

On Dec. 7 and 8, the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), hosted the 2nd Annual Taste of the Holidays.

Friday evening’s event included the official lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, music by Rich Conroy, tastings from local restaurants, horse and wagon rides, and a scavenger hunt to lead people to the downtown businesses. Eleven local restaurants handed out samples under a tent located on historic Jackson Street.

More than 500 people attended the Friday event with great success. Saturday’s afternoon event also included the scavenger hunt, but was geared toward families and children, with music by Bart & Kevin. Area businesses and local organizations had holiday activities for children under the tent including crafts, face painting, free hot cocoa by Coffee Culture, and much more. The always popular McMahon School of Irish Dance kicked up their heels for the event as well as Jason the Juggler. The YWCA sponsored a gingerbread house contest. Approximately 300 families turned out for the Saturday event.

The major sponsors for the Taste of the Holidays were Müller Quaker and Alpina Foods, Batavia’s new yogurt companies. Alpina Foods even handed out free yogurt samples during the weekend event.
 
The Batavia Business Improvement District also took the opportunity to find out the wish lists of area residents. Their table’s activity not only included a station to write to Santa Claus, but also a station to send a letter to the BID saying, “I wish Batavia…” The letters included straightforward answers such as “a bakery, lower taxes, or less congested traffic on Main Street.” But the children’s comments were more imaginative including, “fireworks, no more snowstorms, a play place, and a popcorn place.”  
 
The winner of this year’s Downtown Batavia Scavenger Hunt is Peyton Woeller, age 6, of Batavia. Peyton attended the Saturday children’s day activities for Taste of the Holidays and completed the scavenger hunt with his mother and twin sister. Peyton won a $100 gift BID certificate after visiting participating businesses and determining what day of Christmas each business represented.

Peyton’s reaction to winning “definitely rang with Christmas spirit,” said BID Director Don Burkel. “Peyton shared his gift certificate with his twin sister without hesitation. He knew immediately he wanted to go to Adam Miller Toy & Bike.”

The owner of Floral Fantasies, Sherry Balvo, also agreed the event was great for the community. She went above and beyond as a scavenger hunt participant by giving out gift bags with ornaments.
 
The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will be planning their yearly events after the New Year’s. Anyone who would like to volunteer for events or be part of the planning process are encouraged to contact the BID office at 344-0900 or e-mail dburkel@downtownbataviany.com

Be sure to like the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook so you can keep in touch with future events.

On Nov. 30, members of the Order of the Eastern Star from the Western New York State districts converged at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Batavia. Joining the group of 33 were Keri Rhebergen, Grand Matron, OES, State of New York from Ticonderoga and Kenneth Milner, Grand Patron, O.E.S., State of New York, from Livonia.

As an expression of respect for the service provided by these brave men and women, Christmas greeting cards and gifts were distributed, and Christmas songs were sung to the veterans. The corresponding exchange of conversation was enlightening to many O.E.S. members, and the veteran residents expressed appreciation for the thoughtfulness of O.E.S.

Local participants included: June Lee, L. Janet Lee, Harry and Kathy Tyson, David and Marilyn Liles, Don and Elaine Keys.
 

The K-Kids from St. Joseph's School are having a fundraiser by taking orders for Bob Evans pies. They are $10 and will be ready in time for Christmas.

The pies will be unmarked so you can serve them and take credit for making them!

Order forms are available at the school or you can order from Anita Strollo via e-mail <mommyneetz@yahoo.com>

Orders need to be placed by Dec. 17 and pick up for pies will be at Bob Evans restaurant on Dec. 21. All Checks should be payable to Bob Evans.

Your pie choices are:

• Apple Crumb
• Pumpkin
• Pecan

Let's help make this a success for our K-Kids! Thanks!

Press release:

This fall, ACE Programs of Genesee Community College welcomed its first cohort of Math Science Preparatory Students to campus. Area seventh-graders who have demonstrated high potential in math and science, participated in weekly classroom and lab experiences, visited the Formula SAE club at RIT, and will conclude the fall semester with a fun, on-location experiment with potential and kinetic energy while enjoying a game of bowling.

Due to the interest expressed in this program, ACE Programs is pleased to announce the expansion of openings available to students demonstrating early signs of high potential in math and science from 48 students to 72. Requests for nominations have been sent to all area school districts, and applications will be accepted from both current sixth- and seventh-grade students.

Although there are many gifted and talented students who would benefit from this type of preparatory instruction, ACE has raised the minimum requirements for nominations to ensure the highest level of success experienced by each student.

All applicants must be nominated by a math or science teacher and approved by a school counselor or principal.

Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 7. Students will be invited to complete the application process after review of the nomination. The application deadline is March 29. Those accepted into the program will be notified by May 1 and activities will begin during the summer of 2013.

The Math Science Preparatory program for students in seventh and eighth grade is taught by full-time GCC math and science faculty and expands upon the NYS math and science standards with content designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college-level science and mathematics.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will be eligible to participate in the Accelerated College Enrollment STEM Enrichment Program at Genesee Community College, including the expanded option to complete either an Associate (AS) Degree in Engineering Sciences or an Associate (AS) Degree in Math/Science with a focus on either Chemistry or Biology within months of high school graduation.

Participating in any of the ACE Programs allows students to gain transferable college credit at a greatly reduced tuition rate (one-third the regular in-state tuition charged by GCC). While ACE programs have always provided opportunities for exceptionally motivated students to achieve enough college credits to potentially earn an associate degree, the STEM enrichment program will be the first opportunity for high school students to pursue specific AS degrees through GCC. The goal of the preparatory program is to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for successful participation in this accelerated course of study.

While ACE Programs office has shared this information with all area middle schools and many have begun submitting nominations, interested parents and students are encouraged to contact the ACE Programs office or their school counselor for more information. Additionally, GCC will award one-year scholarships to two sixth-grade students through the second annual GCC sixth grade Math/Science Scholar awards.

For more information contact: Karlyn M. Finucane, program specialist, ACE Programs at 343-0055, ext. 6320, or e-mail kmfinucane@genesee.edu.

From John Summers:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley visited East Pembroke Boy Scout Troop 64 on November 28.  He was invited as a guest speaker for the 3 separate Citizenship in the Community, Nation, and World Merit Badges.  Assemblyman Hawley spoke to the Scouts on his background and the importance of public service.  In the photos the Assemblyman was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Troop 64 Boy Scout Alex Summers, Scoutmaster Ken Frey, Committee Chairman John Summers, and Troop 64 Scouts.

A revived Wolcott Street School Parent Teacher Service Organization has elected new officers, and will meet Dec. 10 to begin planning for a spring fundraiser.

The Wolcott Street PTSO nearly dissolved this year, after the resignation of several longtime officers left the organization without enough volunteers to effectively continue. The Le Roy school issued a call for volunteers, and new officers were elected at a PTSO meeting on Nov. 26.

Elected to one-year terms were:

— President: Julie Ehrmentraut
— Vice President: Ray Coniglio
— Treasurer: Brittany Morse
— Secretary: Holly Eschberger

The next PTSO meeting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the staff dining room at Wolcott Street School, 2-6 Trigon Park. (Park off Trigon Park and enter through the loading-dock doors.)

The agenda includes planning a spring fundraiser.

The PTSO funds or supports many activities at Wolcott Street School, including book fairs, field trips and more. Each year, the organization provides grants to support projects that directly benefit all students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

The PTSO welcomes the participation of parents/guardians of Wolcott Street students.

For more information call Assistant Principal Jonathan Wilson at 768-7115.

An Ireland Study Abroad photography exhibit entitled "Thirty Shades of Ireland Through the Lens of Brittany Morelli" is on display in the lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theater until Thursday.

Morelli, a native of Batavia and photography major at SUNY Fredonia, displays her photographs from a trip to Ireland as part of the GCC Study Abroad program.

"This exhibit features varying perspectives of Irish culture which include architecture, landscape and farm life. These photographs were inspired from my most recent trip to Ireland that was taken through Genesee Community College's study abroad," Morelli said.

The exhibit sponsored by the GCC Study Abroad in Ireland program, which will host its third study abroad trip to Ireland from May 28th to June 12th. For further information, go to: http://www.genesee.edu/academics/studyabroad/programs/Ireland.cfm
 

A free lecture on William Seward will be given by Walter Stahr at Genesee Community College beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5. It will take place in the Conable Technology Building, T102.

History and culture enthusiasts of all ages would appreciate this lecture.

As part of GCC's Civil War Initiative, Stahr will share excerpts from his new published biography entitled, "Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man."

The book has already reaped critical acclaim with James McPherson, famous Civil War historian and author of "Battle Cry of Freedom" stating: "After a rocky start during which Seward crossed swords with Lincoln in the issue of Fort Sumter and other matters, the secretary of state did indeed become the president's most indispensable ally. Politician, diplomat, raconteur, a figure of controversy and power, Seward has finally found a biographer equal to his importance."

Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin also noted: "This magnificent biography finally provides what William Henry Seward so justly deserves -- a full, terrific and complex portrait of his endlessly fascinating life."

Stahr also wrote a biography of John Jay, one of our nation's founding fathers and the first Chief Justice of the United States.

For further information: http://walterstahr.com/media-room/ Copies of Stahr's book will be available for sale at the event and Stahr has graciously agreed to autograph copies immediately following his talk.

The free lecture is part of GCC's ongoing initiative exploring the Civil War. You can learn more about it by visiting the history department's blog: http://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com/.

The lighting of the community Christmas Tree will take place in the Village of Bergen tonight, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Pet portraits to benefit the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 1, at the USA Bird Supply, 11163 Main Road, in Clarence.

Come and get a photo of your pet or you with you pet for only a $5 donation, which will go to animals in the local shelter. Volunteers For Animals is sponsoring the event in conjunction with USA Bird Supply and Jay Terkel Photography.

Press release:

Respected local physician, Abdul Rathor, M.D., has announced his planned retirement from United Memorial’s Cardiology and Internal Medicine practice effective Nov. 30.

Dr. Rathor began practicing in Batavia in September 1975 after completing a Fellowship in Cardiology at Albert Einstein Medical Center, a Residency in Internal Medicine at Grasslands Hospital in Valhalla and an Internship at Flushing Hospital. He was a 1965 graduate of King Edward Medical College in Lahare, Pakistan.

Dr. Rathor has served in many healthcare leadership roles including chief of Cardiology for Genesee Memorial. During the merger period of Genesee Memorial and St. Jerome Hospitals, Dr. Rathor joined in practice with Dr. Keun Oh and Dr. Midul Khan forming Genesee Cardiology and Internal Medicine at 229 Summit Street, Batavia.

In 2011, following the retirements of Dr. Kahn and Dr. Oh, the practice became affiliated with United Memorial and Cardiologist Syed A. Shah, M.D., joined the practice.

To provide continuity of care, Susan Riner, N.P., will continue to care for patients and Michael D. Merrill, M.D., has started practicing at United Memorial Cardiology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Merrill serves as the vice president of Medical Affairs for United Memorial and was a hospitalist for the Endion Hospitalist Group.

Patients of Dr. Rathor may choose to continue with Dr. Merrill at the practice or contact the office to have their medical records transferred.

“Dr. Rathor’s day-to-day presence, care and clinical expertise will be greatly missed by his patients and colleagues. We appreciate his many decades of dedicated service and wish him well in his retirement,” said UMMC President and CEO Mark Schoell.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, patients may call (585) 344-4440.

Celtic Cable Scarf Class at Richmond Memorial Library

Learn an easy technique to master knitting the Celtic cable stitch. This class for intermediate knitters is taught by Linda Daviau. It takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, and registration is required.

Knitters must know how to work a basic cable. Registration is required to attend.

Please call the library at 343-9550 to register. Participants are asked to bring sport weight or worsted weight yard and size 7 or 8 needles.

More information is available in the library and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Press release:

GED Testing Service, based in Washington, D.C., announced the launch of its campaign, Your Future is Calling, to alert test-takers who need to finish the GED test by the end of 2013. The current version of the test—the 2002 Series GED Test—will expire at the end of 2013, along with incomplete test scores.

“More than a million adults have started but not finished the current GED test,” said Nicole Chestang, executive vice president of GED Testing Service. “As a nation, we cannot afford to let millions of working-aged adults miss this opportunity to complete and pass the GED test, opening doors to college, training, and better jobs.”

Those interested in joining the campaign can sign up online at GEDtestingservice.com/jointhecampaign.

On the campaign site you can find talking points, outreach strategies, and print materials to help inform test-takers of this deadline and opportunity. GED test-takers can find more information at finishtheGED.com, or by visiting one of their local adult education or GED testing centers.

The GED test contains five parts that can be taken separately, but must all be passed to receive a high-school credential. GED test-takers who have started the 2002 Series GED Test, but not finished and passed every section, have until the end of 2013 to do so. Otherwise, their scores will expire, and they will have to start over again with the new 2014 GED test.

The new test will be based on emerging national and state standards. It will offer dual performance levels where test-takers can earn the high-school equivalency credential as well as an additional endorsement that indicates career- and college-readiness. The test will be delivered solely on computer and offered only in official testing centers.

Last year, nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the only official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high-school diploma.

Currently, 24 states offer the GED test on computer at authorized testing centers. The GED test on computer is the same 2002 series GED test that is currently offered on paper and pencil. Test-takers must take the GED test – whether on paper or computer – in person at an official GED testing center. The GED test is never offered online.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m., members of the public are invited to a dedication of an historic marker for the Trumbull Cary Mansion, formerly at 211 E. Main St.

Ceremonies will begin at Go-Art, 201 E. Main St.

Nicole Walter of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the organization that funded the marker, will speak briefly. Her remarks will be followed by those of Larry D. Barnes, Batavia city historian. Barnes will present a biographical sketch of Trumbull Cary and outline the history of the mansion.

Afterward, the event will move to 211 E. Main St. where Sallie Fogarty, a great-great-great granddaughter of Trumbull Cary will unveil the marker. The mansion was built in 1817 and torn down in 1964.