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PETA offering up to $5,000 reward in case of Le Roy cat left to suffocate in duct-taped bin

By Billie Owens

Press release from PETA:

At around 8:30 on Saturday morning, a passerby discovered a cat inside a plastic bin—which was taped shut with duct tape and had no holes or other means of ventilation—abandoned on the side of the road at the intersection of Munson and Gilbert streets in Le Roy.

Officers believe that the male long-haired cat had been left there for approximately 20 minutes, and surveillance footage shows a white pickup truck at the scene.

The cat, now named Munson, is currently at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, but police have yet to determine who's responsible for abandoning him and leaving him to suffocate.

That's why PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty-to-animals charges of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"—is also asking residents in the area to help spread the word and put up free downloadable posters (available here) in businesses and schools, on bulletin boards, and anywhere else that they're allowed to display them.

Someone may recognize this cat, and it might be the only way to apprehend those responsible for this cruel act.

If someone hadn't found him in time, this frightened cat would almost certainly have died inside that plastic box," says PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien.

"PETA is calling on anyone who recognizes this cat to come forward immediately so that whoever shut him in this container and left him to suffocate can be held accountable and stopped from hurting anyone else."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Le Roy Police Department at 585-345-6350.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Photos courtesy of the Le Roy Police Department.

Mark Your Calendar: Great Batavia Train Show is Nov. 11 in Richard C. Call Arena at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers announces that their semi-annual Great Batavia Train Show will be held at the Richard C. Call Arena in Batavia on Sunday, Nov. 11.

The new venue on the campus of Genesee Community College offers unmatched convenience and for attendees and vendors.

  • Admission:  $6 adults / $3 under 18 / free for children under 13
  • Hours:  9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Features:  Vendor tables, door prizes, free parking

For more than 40 years the Great Batavia Train Show has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. Our move to the Richard C. Call arena has allowed us to grow the event in a state-of-the-art facility. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available.

Items offered include all scales of model trains, clothing, historic railroad items, books, videos and toys. Modeling demonstrations, and door prizes featuring great railroad items, will be part of the fun. Free parking.

About the Genesee Society of Model Engineers

This group has promoted the hobby of model railroading in the Western New York area for nearly 50 years. It is a not-for-profit organization is headquartered at 50 Main St. in Oakfield. In its facility above the M&T Bank, the membership maintains four operating model train displays. An open house is offered free to the public each December, and visitors are welcome on Tuesday evenings.

Contact Information:

  • Train Show Chairman:  Mike Pyszczek
  • Phone:  768-4579 (residence)
  • Email:  bataviatrainshow@gsme.org
  • Website:  www.gsme.org
  • Mailing address:  GSME, P.O. Box 75, Oakfield, NY 14125

Botts-Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary Unit names 2018-19 officers

By Billie Owens
Submitted photo and press release:
 
Officers for 2018-19 of the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 have been selected.
 
They are pictured from left in the photo above: Ellen Harris -- Treasurer; Donna Mills -- Sgt. at Arms; Linda Horgan -- Historian; Deb Feneran -- Chaplain;
Marlene McCumiskey -- President; Roberta Graney -- 1st Vice President; Pat Moore -- Secretary; and Regina Diskin -- Membership Chairperson.

City fire department will hold free car seat check at headquarters on Saturday, Sept. 29

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department today announced it will be participating in National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 23-29).

The Department will be conducting a “Free Car Seat Check” event on Saturday, Sept. 29, at its Headquarters at 18 Evans St. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to check car seats for proper installation, and educate parents and caregivers on how to choose the right car seat for their family, and install them properly in their vehicles.

Each year in New York almost 3,000 kids up to the age of 13 are treated at hospitals for injuries from a motor vehicle crash. Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury/death for children 1 through 12 years old. Most 'tweens (8-12 years old) seriously injured or killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts or wearing them correctly. 'Tweens are also more likely to get hurt in crashes when riding in the front seat.

Remember, the safest place for a child under the age of 13 is in the back seat properly restrained. Many death and injuries could be prevented if children were properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint.

Many Parents and guardians assume they know how to choose and use the correct child seat for their children, but sadly these restraints are frequently used incorrectly. In fact, three out of every four children are riding at an increased risk of injury because their car seats are not being used correctly.

The “Know for Sure if Your Child is in the Right Car Seat” campaign was developed by the National Highway Safety Administration and the National Ad Council to make sure all parents and caregivers properly secure their children in the best car restraint for their age and size and use these devices properly. This campaign is being promoted by the NYS Governors Traffic Safety Committee.

The City of Batavia Fire Department urges parents to follow National Highway Safety Administrations car seat recommendation that parents and caregivers keep children in their car seat for as long as possible according to manufacturer instructions before moving them up to the next type. For maximum safety, a parent or caregiver should have the car seat installation inspected by a Certified Safety Technician to ensure their kids are riding as safely as possible.

The City of Batavia Fire Department’s Car Seat Technicians are available 7 days a week by calling Fire Headquarters at (585) 345-6375 to schedule an appointment. 

Pavilion Central School's Class of '73 to celebrate 45th reunion Sept. 29

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Pavilion Central School’s Class of 1973 will be celebrating their 45th Class reunion with an informal gathering starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at BW’s, (Davis’ Country Meadow), 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion.

BW’s management has graciously agreed to accommodate the reunion to the best of their ability, as there will be a wedding going on in the back, just in case you wish to stay for dinner, but three bartenders will be on staff, so it may be busy.

Although many members of the class have been contacted, we hope you will pass this along again, for those who may have been missed, or just as a reminder. Many are attending from out of state, so let us get caught up!

Any questions, please contact Phil Plossl @ phil@pavdrain.com , or Eileen Graney @ earamino@aol.com

Public Notice: East Pembroke Fire District resolution to sell 1991 fire truck

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

Board of Fire Commissioners - East Pembroke Fire District: Resolution to Sell Equipment Subject to Permissive Referendum

Whereas, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Pembroke Fire District has determined that the 1991 Pierce Fire Truck is deemed surplus

Whereas, the vehicle is valued at $5,000; and

Now therefore be it resolved, the Board of Fire Commissioners has determined that the 1991 Pierce Fire Truck is deemed surplus and it shall be sold to the highest bidder.

This resolution is subject to permissive referendum of the qualified voters of the East Pembroke Fire District. The resolution shall take effect 30 days from the publication hereof unless a petition requiring a referendum is filed within said 30-day period, pursuant to section 6(g)(7) of the General Municipal Law.

 

William R. Joyce, Secretary

East Pembroke Fire District

Mark Your Calendar: Polka Mass and Golabki Dinner at Ascension Parish is Oct. 27

By Billie Owens

There will be a Polka Mass and Dinner at Ascension Roman Catholic Parish, Batavia, on Saturday, Oct. 27. It is located at 19 Sumner St.

It is sponsored by Ascension Parish Altar and Rosary Society.

Polka Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. 

Golabki Dinner will be served beginning at 5 p.m. until sold out in Slomba Hall. Take outs available.

Cash bar for beer and wine only.

There will be 50/50 - Basket Raffle

Dancing 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with music by New Direction Band.

Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. (limited seating 300)

Phone is 343-1796.

Volunteers needed to lead Alzheimer's support groups in Batavia and Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Press release:

People who really listen to others are gifted with compassion and empathy, and the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York is looking for volunteers willing to share those gifts!

Every month, the Association’s Western New York Chapter oversees close to three dozen support groups for caregivers of individuals with dementia, including four such meetings across Genesee County.

These groups are led by Chapter-trained facilitators who provide a vital service by encouraging caregivers to share their concerns, find support among their peers and hear advice about providing the best care they can from others in a similar situation.

The Chapter is looking to provide free training for volunteers to lead monthly support group meetings in Batavia and Le Roy. If you are interested in sharing your time in a meaningful, rewarding and vital way, please call Marie Baun at the WNY Chapter between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday Through Friday at (716) 626-0600, ext. 8994. She can also be reached via email at MBaun@alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association WNY

 The Alzheimer’s Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization for care, support and research of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The elimination of the disease through advancements in research, providing and enhancing care and support for all impacted, and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health define  the organization’s mission.

The WNY Chapter is located at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, in Williamsville and offers a 24/7 Helpline for services and support at 1.800.272.3900. The Association also offers online resources, including secure sites for caregivers, training for professional care partners and information about local support services at alz.org/WNY.

Public Health Column: 'Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.'

By Billie Owens

From the Genesee County Health Department:

There are many reasons to prepare for an emergency, such as a natural disaster, a power outage, or another crisis. Most Americans do not have supplies set aside or plans in place to protect their own or their family’s health and safety.

National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year.

Albert Cheverie, Public Health Emergency Preparedness coordinator of Genesee and Orleans counties, encourages all residents to take the time to prepare for an emergency now.

“Disasters can strike at any time," Cheverie said. "One of the most important tools every individual and family can have to protect themselves in possible emergencies is a plan of action.”

Make and Practice Your Plan

Having a family emergency plan will save time and make real situations less stressful. As you plan ahead about what to do during an emergency, be sure to take into account any members of your family with special needs, specific preparations for children, and what you will do with your pets. Here are a few simple things you can do to start your Emergency Action Plan:

  • Create a Communication Plan

           Make a plan as a family for communicating in the event that you are separated during an emergency. Use a sheet or card with all the phone numbers and information every individual in the family may need, and make sure every member of the family has a copy of the communication plan. Make sure to regularly review and update the contact list as needed.

  • Make an Evacuation Plan

           As a family, discuss where you will go in the event of an emergency. Discuss where your children will go if they are in school or daycare at the time of the emergency, and make sure they understand where you will be. Your plan should also include how to safely shut off all utilities.

  • Practice Your Plan

           Set up practice drills at least twice a year for your family to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency. Update your plan according to any issues that arise. Make sure everyone knows where the plan is located.

Learn Life Saving Skills

If something happens where people are injured; act quickly and with a purpose. Remember to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Move the injured away from any remaining danger and do anything within your ability to keep the person alive. This may include: applying pressure to stop bleeding, repositioning the injured person to help them breath, or by simply talking to them and providing comfort if they are conscious.

Check Your Coverage

Your home and personal belongings are meaningful and valuable assets. If a disaster strikes, having insurance for your home is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged. Yet, more than half of all homeowners in the United States do not carry adequate homeowners insurance to replace their home and its contents should a catastrophic loss occur. Now, before a disaster strikes, take the time to:

  1. Document Your Property: Store paper copies in a waterproof and fireproof box, safe, or bank deposit box. Leave copies with trusted relatives or friends. Secure electronic copies with strong passwords and save them on a flash or external hard drive in your waterproof box or safe.

  2. Understand Your Options for Coverage: An insurance professional can help you customize your home insurance policy based on your particular needs.

      3. Ensure You Have Appropriate Insurance for Relevant Hazards: Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes and floods. Talk with your insurance professional if you reside in a flood zone or are at risk for flooding or mudflows.

Save For an Emergency

Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful circumstances, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently.

Taking the time now to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, will ensure that you have the documentation needed to start the recovery process without delay.

In addition to financially saving for an emergency, it is also important to stock up on essential items you may need, but might not have access to in the event of an emergency. A large-scale disaster or unexpected emergency can limit your access to food, safe water, and medical supplies for days or weeks.

The Department of Homeland Security recommends you have a basic emergency supply kit that includes enough food and water for each of your family members for at least 72 hours — that’s 1 gallon of water per day per person and canned (nonperishable) food for three days.

Other supplies on their list includes flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, a basic first-aid kit, trash bags for safe sanitary waste disposal, a week supply of prescription medications, pet supplies (if needed), as well as entertainment such as books, magazines, playing cards, and coloring books with crayons. It is also important to keep your emergency kit up to date, replacing water and perishables periodically.

Though National Preparedness Month concludes at the end of September, the conversation about emergency preparedness should not. Cheverie encourages residents to take action now by enrolling in a skills class such as CPR or Stop the Bleed, participating in community exercises, and volunteering to support local first responders.

“The good news is that it is never too late to prepare for a public health emergency," Cheverie said. "You can create plans, make healthy choices, and download free resources, such as the Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware Mobile Apps to stay informed and up-to-date on what is happening in your local community.”

The Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware Mobile Apps are free and available to everyone using an iOS or an Android device. The apps can be downloaded directly from the App Store or Google Play.

For information about Health Department services contact the Genesee County Health Department at 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website here.

10th annual Music Memories Concert is Saturday at City Church to benefit Crossroads House

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This Saturday, Sept. 22, starting at 6:30 p.m, marks the 10th performance of the Music Memories Concert being held at City Church, located at 210 E. Main St., Batavia.

All proceeds for this concert go to support Crossroads House, a comfort care home for the terminally ill, in its 20th year of serving residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties.

It’s St. Joe’s Reunion Brass Ensemble’s final performance using its present name as we know the group.

Nine years ago, Frank Panepento along with his friends, started the Reunion Brass Ensemble specifically with one purpose in mind: Set up a concert to help raise money for Crossroads House.

Well thousands of hours in rehearsal time by hundreds of musicians, thousands of miles/hours have been clocked in by those musicians over the years. There has never been one red cent charged by any of the musicians over that period of time. They even paid for their own ticket to sit and watch the show. They had to perform in other shows to pay back the groups that came and performed at the Crossroads show for free.

These performers choose to rearrange their lives to help an organization that they believed in -- CROSSROADS HOUSE -- VOLUNTEERISM at a different level!

"I promised my friends, God willing, I would do any and everything I could to pack City Church while ushering in a new era for St. Joe’s Brass Ensemble," Panepento said.

Performing Saturday are:

  • Parkside Brass
  • Rochester Hitmen
  • Hamburg Kingsmen
  • Batavia Jazz Ensemble
  • Silver Leaves -- from Canada
  • St. Joseph’s Alumni Drum Corps
  • St. Joe’s Reunion Brass Ensemble, featuring famed bugler Kenny "Ace" Peterson

Come on out for what promises to be a fantastic show!" Penepinto said. "Bring your family. Bring your friends. Help make this a night for the musicians and all of (us) to remember."

Tickets are $5 general admission; $10 reserved.

Tickets are available at Crossroads House, Roxy's Music Store, Valle Jewelers, The Prospector Restaurant (Attica).

 If you need information or tickets call 343-3892 or 409-4364, or go online to:   crossroadshouse.com

Mark Your Calendar: HLOM hosts Westside Ghostwalk Oct. 19, must RSVP

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please join the Holland Land Office Museum for a Westside Ghostwalk at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19th.

Take a walk on the Westside and hear tales of murders, hangings, grave robbing, ghosts and other eerie happenings from Batavia's past. Hear stories of Joseph Ellicott, E. N. Rowell and other famous and infamous Batavians.

The tour begins and ends at the museum and is approximately one-and-a-half to two hours long. Admission is $10 and reservations are required.

For tickets or more information, please call 343-4727.

Batavia Blue Devils football fans recognition night this Friday

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

This Friday, Sept. 14th, the Batavia Blue Devils Football Team and its supporters would like to recognize all those who have worn or currently wear a military or first responder uniform by inviting them to come to the home game.

Any military personnel, police officer, firefighter or first responder will get free admission (with proof of ID) as well as a complementary hot dog and drink. They will also be seated in the end zone; and to thank them for their service, they will be honored at approximately 7:15 p.m. prior to the start of the game.

Vandetta Stadium is located at 120 Richmond Avenue in the City of Batavia.

GC 4-H fur and Feather Club to host poultry show at fairgrounds Sept. 22, entry deadline is Sept. 17

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County 4-H Fur and Feather Club is hosting a youth poultry show on Saturday, Sept. 22. at the Merton Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds, located at 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The show is open to all local youth ages 19 and younger, youth don’t need to be a 4-H member to participate. Entries must be postmarked by Sept. 17; no day-of-show entries will be accepted.

Showroom opens at 7:30 a.m., birds must be cooped by 9 a.m. For complete show rules and entry form please visit: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 343-3040, ext. 101.

Reserve your spot for a candlelight guided ghost walk in Batavia Cemetery on Oct. 20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join us for some spooky fun on Saturday, Oct. 20th, when the Batavia Cemetery Association will host a candlelight guided ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

The tours will feature the famous and infamous movers and shakers who shaped and influenced the City of Batavia.

The guided tour will bring guests to meet men and women of Batavia, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both: Philemon Tracy, one of the few Confederate officers buried in the North; Ruth the unknown victim of a horrendous murder; Joseph Ellicott, a man of great power and great flaws; and William Morgan, the man who disappeared and was allegedly murdered before he could reveal the secrets of the Masons. These are some of the ghosts who will tell their stories on the tour.

Also visiting will be: Rev. John H. Yates, poet, preacher, philanthropist, journalist and author of nationally known hymns; Civil War veteran General John H. Martindale, who was Military Governor of the District of Columbia in 1865; and Dean and Mary Richmond, who greatly influenced civic life in Batavia in the 1800s, will meet with guests in their mausoleum on the last stop of the tour.

Dean Richmond made a great fortune in Great Lakes shipping and was the second president of the New York Central Railroad. Mary Richmond vastly expanded her husband’s fortune after his death and sat on the boards of many businesses and civic organizations. 

Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every 15 minutes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes refreshments. Reservations are required.

Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery. For more information, or to make reservations, contact 343-3220.

Hypnotist Glenn Adams to introduce his business EnTranced Saturday and Tuesday with talks at Blue Pearl Yoga

By Billie Owens

Press release from hypnotist Glenn Adams:

Glenn Adams will introduce his business EnTranced to area residents in upcoming seminars. Hypnosis has proven successful in helping people change habits from anxiety to smoking. Likewise, it often helps with sleep disorders, pain management, and lots of things in-between.

He will answer questions such as: What is this “other” mind we have. How do we access it? Does it ever lead us astray? He will also answer the question the owner and CEO of a multi-million dollar corporation asked him, “Will you make me cluck like a chicken?”

To introduce the benefits of hypnosis to the broader public, Adams will be giving introductory talks hosted by Blue Pearl Yoga, on the fourth floor of the Masonic Temple in Downtown Batavia.

One is tomorrow, Sept. 8, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; and two are on Tuesday, Sept. 11, in the morning from 10 to 11 and in the evening from 6:30 to 7:30. Cost is $5. Sign up on the Blue Pearl Yoga website, bp-yoga.com -- click on Events & Workshops -- using PayPal.

Adams can be reached at 585-727-4408.

Here are a few frequently asked questions:

People often ask how I got into hypnosis. I have relatives and friends who had problems the medical community couldn’t treat adequately, or even diagnose in some cases. When my son-in-law was ready to file for total disability, I figured there must be a different approach for some of the issues. I ended up going the direction of hypnosis and have never looked back.

Are there things hypnosis cannot help? I don’t really know the limits of the human mind. Remember that our 50 trillion cells all develop from one cell. But I do have a client with restless leg syndrome and we haven’t resolved it, at least not yet.

Can hypnosis make people do things they don't want to do? Hypnosis is really an educational process, which makes it easier people to do what they really want to do. It doesn’t make them do what they don’t want to do. Unfortunately, we are not born with a users manual for the mind so we just work to use it more strategically.

About Glenn Adams:

Cheryl and I moved into the Batavia area in 1985. Since then we have been involved in a number of church and civic activities. I am semi-retired after teaching at Spencerport High School and Roberts Wesleyan College, and also run a Registered Investment Advisory business.

ILGR's Taste of Independence is Sept. 12 at Batavia Country Club, tickets are $15, RSVP

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifth annual Taste of Independence food-sampling extravaganza is being held by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

It's taking place at Batavia County Club, 7909 Batavia-Byron Road, Batavia.

The event will offer guests a chance to try some signature dishes of the Genesee Region’s finest restaurants, plus a basket raffle and 50/50 split club.

Tickets are $15 and can be picked up at the ILGR office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. RSVP -- Space is limited!

To R.S.V.P., become a sponsor, or get more information call Donna Becker at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or email dbecker@wnyil.org.

The funds raised will be used to help people with disabilities living in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are in emergency situations with employment, or moving forward with life goals, when there are no other financial resources available.

ILGR's services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, Diabetes self-management classes, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing and employment assistance, Social Security and Medicaid assistance information and referral, and many more.

The participating restaurants include:

  • Batavia's Original Pizzeria;
  • Big Pauly’s Pizza;
  • Black Creek Cidery LLC;
  • Capish! Pizza-ristorante;
  • D & R Depot Restaurant;
  • Eden Café & Bakeshop;
  • Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn;
  • Farmer's Wife LLC;
  • Fishtales Hideaway;
  • Ken’s Charcoal Pits & Bar-B-Q;
  • KMC Custom Cakes;
  • L.B. Grand Steak and Spaghetti House;
  • Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill;
  • Subway Restaurant;
  • T.F. Brown’s Restaurant;
  • The Eli Fish Brewing Company;
  • The North Pole;
  • The Wild Rican;
  • Tully’s Great Food & Good Times.  

Our thanks to non-restaurant event Gold Sponsor: R.A. Haitz Co., Inc.; Bronze Sponsor: Platt Properties. Friend Sponsors: BGW Properties LLC, Fox Farm Antiques, High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing, and Sikes Enterprises Inc.

BHS Class of '88 to hold 30th reunion this month in Batavia, RSVP

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia High School Class of 1988’s Class Reunion is scheduled for Sept. 21st and 22nd. We are looking for help in contacting the members of our class and to inform them of our 30th Class Reunion celebration.

On Friday, Sept. 21st, we will gather at Eli Fish Brewing Company (109 Main St., Batavia) at 7 p.m. and enjoy the music of Justin Williams at starting at 9 p.m. There will be Class of ’88 specials on specific Eli Fish beverages and appetizers.

On Saturday, Sept. 22nd, we will gather at Steve and Lisa Pies’ home at 7 p.m. There will be light snacks available. Members of the classes of 1985-1991 are welcome to join our classmates and their guests at these events. 

RSVPs are kindly requested for both events. (The Pies’ address will be available upon receipt of a RSVP.)

To RSVP, please contact a committee member:

Colleen Odessa Kemp at colleen@elifishbrewing.com;

Steve Pies at steve@maxpiesfurniture.com; or

Julia Rogers at jrogersbcsd@gmail.com.

Batavia Brass Society to play jazz in Perry Sept. 21 at the Arts Council for Wyoming County

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

On Friday, Sept. 21, jazz will be in the air in Downtown Perry. The Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) is presenting the Batavia Brass Society in their main gallery to play a "Light Evening of Jazz." This is the first time this group of musicians has played at the ACWC.

The Arts Council for Wyoming County is located at 31 S. Main St., Perry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; concert begins at 7.

The Batavia Brass Society is made up of Derek Reiss (trumpet), Peter Mark (trombone), Edward VanZandt (trumpet), Roger Bolton (tuba), Elizabeth Kockler (horn), Scott Kockler (percussion).

Musicians are current, former, and retired music teachers from our area. They have been performing since 1980 playing a variety of music from classical to jazz and pop. You may have seen them at the Oakfield Labor Daze, Le Roy Oatka Festival, Genesee Community College, and the concert series in Holley and Akron. 

"I am pleased that the Arts Council will finally have the opportunity to present the the Batavia Brass Society in concert at the Gallery," says Jacqueline Hoyt, executive director of the Arts Council for Wyoming County, "This show will feature local musicians playing songs that are familiar to our ears."

Tickets for this concert are $15 ($13.50 for ACWC members). Purchase online at artswyco.org or by calling the ACWC at (585) 237-3517, ext. 101. Tickets are first come, first served, and early reservations are suggested.

If you would like to reserve tickets for parties larger than 10, please contact the ACWC directly at (585) 237-3517 or email info@artswyco.org.

About the Arts Council for Wyoming County

For more than 40 years, the Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) has created opportunities to bring arts into their rural communities through programming, grants, and art events. The ACWC is also Wyoming County’s NYSCA Decentralization Site for Community Arts Grants. In addition to yearly programming, the ACWC produces the Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show and Sale. For more information on membership or advocacy in the arts, please visit www.artswyco.org.

Mark Your Calendar: 15th annual Fur Ball is Oct. 13 at Days Inn, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Volunteers for Animals' 15th annual Fur Ball to benefit their Spay/Neuter Program at the Genesee County Animal Shelter will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Days Inn in Batavia.

The hotel is located at 200 Oak St.

There will be food, fun, basket raffles and silent auctions.

Tickets are $25 each; tickets for children 12 and under are $15. A table of 10 -- with 10 seats -- costs $250.

The event is limited to 200 tickets.

Please make checks payable to: Volunteers for Animals -- Spay/Neuter Program.

They can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1621, Batavia NY 14021

Tickets are also available at the shelter.

Volunteers for Animals are now accepting new items for the Fur Ball raffle/auction. Items can be left at the shelter during adoption hours.

'Watching Monarchs' is Sept. 8 at a butterfly meadow in GC Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Monarch butterflies, masters of migration, come through New York during the month of September.

Seize the last few days of summer with a visit to a butterfly meadow and a journey into their world!

Join us at the Genesee County Park & Forest for "Watching Monarchs" 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8th.

See how these regal butterflies are tagged and released as part of a nationwide Monarch conservation project. Conservationists at Genesee County Park & Forest plan to tag and release live Monarch butterflies during this program as part of a national effort to track their migration and populations.

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center. Learn all about their fascinating lives and discover what you can do to help them out!

Price is $5/person, $10/family. Space is limited; preregistration is required. Call 585-344-1122.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

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