Announcements

Encompass Genesee is a Corfu-based, nonprofit organization whose mission it is to provide social activities and employment training for people with developmental disabilities.

They will hold their debut get-together event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Kiwanis Park in the Town of Batavia. Food will be provided!

All are invited to come out and enjoy an evening of fun making new friends.

Attendees will get a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card!

Kiwanis Park is located at 3808 W. Main Street Road.

A workshop for individuals in recovery and their friends, family and allies -- based on the book "Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening" by Robert J. Meyers and Brenda L. Wolfe -- will be held Wednesday (Sept. 4) at Northgate Free Methodist Church.

Time is 6 to 8 p.m. Address is 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia (North Campus). Presenter is Pastor Vern Saile.

About the Book

Historically there have been few options available for individuals seeking help for treatment-resistant loved ones suffering from substance abuse. Coauthor Dr. Robert eyers spent 10 years developing a treatment program that helps concerned significant others improve the quality of their lives and learn how to make treatment an attractive option for their partners who are substance abusers.

"Get Your Loved One Sober" describes this multifaceted program that uses supportive, nonconfrontational methods to engage substance abusers into treatment.

Called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), the program uses scientifically validated behavioral principles to reduce the loved one's substance use and to encourage him or her to seek treatment. Equally important, CRAFT also helps loved ones reduce personal stress and introduce meaningful, new sources of satisfaction into their life. 

For more information or to register, please text/call Sue Gagne at 585-815-5248 or via email at sgagne@gcasa.org

Presented by RECOVERY WOW (WithOut Walls), providing safe, sober health and wellness activities geared toward individuals in recovery from a substance-use disorder and their families. ("You are not alone in this." Peer recovery advocates are here for you 24/7: (585) 815-1800.)

Press release:

The community is cordially invited to attend an informational open house Tuesday, Sept. 10 for the Excelsior Energy Center, a 280-megawatt solar energy generating facility with 20 megawatts of energy storage proposed in the Town of Byron.

At the open house to be held at the South Byron fire hall, information about the project will be displayed on large poster boards.

Rather than a structured, formal presentation, the open house will provide many opportunities for any member of the public to speak directly with project representatives and subject-matter experts about questions they may have.

The public is invited to arrive anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., or 5 and 7 p.m.

Please arrive anytime during the hours above. Information will be provided and questions will be answered throughout the duration of these sessions. Each session will follow the same open house-style format containing the same information.

South Byron Volunteer Fire Department
7389 Route 237
South Byron

Photos and information from Teresa Tamfer, Batavia Society of Artists:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Shauna Blake (in top photo) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10th at GO ART!, inside Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., in Downtown Batavia.

Blake will be doing a hands-on alcohol ink demonstration.

Non-members welcome with a $5 fee.

Below, Blake's "Teal Rust Reflect."

Bottom, Blake's "Purple Bloom."

There are several adventures offered next month at Genesee County Park & Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area. These September recreational opportunities include: a Full Moon Hike; Orienteering with the Rochester Orienteering Club; Geocaching at DeWitt; and Learning About Wild Turkeys.

Here are the details:

Orienteering at the Genesee County Park & Forest with Rochester Orienteering Club

Come explore the active and adventurous sport of Orienteering at the Genesee County Park & Forest with Rochester Orienteering Club from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14th. Beginner class and basic training takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. Orienteering start is open 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All courses close at 1:30 pm.

Learn how to find your way without batteries or a cell phone signal – by using a map and compass. All material provided no experience necessary.

Orienteering is a family friendly sport for people of all ages and ability levels. Perfect for individuals and families who love the outdoors. Please preregister online here; or by calling 585-344-8508, ext. 3701, and leaving your name, phone number, and number of participants.

Harvest Moon Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest

Come join us on a night hike through a moonlit forest with our Harvest Moon Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14th.

Look and listen for nocturnal animals that can’t be seen or heard during the day! Hear tales of the full moon that comes at the beginning of fall, and learn the origins of its name.

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration required, call 585-344-8508, ext. 3701, and leave your name, phone number, and number of participants to reserve your spot.

Geocaching at DeWitt Recreation Area

Get out and try a high-tech scavenger hunt with our Geocaching at DeWitt Recreation Area program from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21st.

Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt game that can be played anytime and anywhere. Create a personal alias or team name to let others know you were here. Sign up as a group or by yourself. No prior geocaching experience is necessary, a lesson and GPS unit is provided.

Dress for the weather and be ready for adventure! Meet at Pavilion 3 at DeWitt Recreation Area.

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required. Call 585-344-8508, ext. 3701, and leave your name, phone number, and number of participants to register.

Wild Turkeys at the Genesee County Park & Forest

Did you know that wild turkeys can swim? Or that they can fly 55 miles per hour? Join the National Wild Turkey Federation and Women in the Outdoors for Wild Turkeys at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28th to learn more cool facts and find out how turkeys survive in the wild.

Then head out to the forest and fields to practice turkey calls and see where they can live! This program is FREE! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration required. Reserve your spot by calling 585-344-8508, ext. 3701, and leaving your name, phone number, and number of participants.

For more information visit the park & forest website here, or contact the park office at 585-344-8508.

Genesee County Park and Forest is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

DeWitt Recreation Area is located at 115 Cedar St. in the City of Batavia.

• The Bergen Historical Society will meet beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5th, in the Library Meeting Room. The public is invited to hear a presentation by Gina Schelemanow on the history of the Cook family of Byron and Clarendon. Refreshments will be served following the program. 
• Maker Space Saturday is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 7th. Come and try an experiment! No registration needed.
• Monthly Book Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12th. This month's book is "The Little Paris Bookshop." Come and enjoy the fun.
• Toddler/Preschool Storytime will run Fridays starting at 10:30 a.m. beginning Sept 13th. Join Miss Bailey for stories, a craft and a treat! For ages 2-5, but younger children are welcome with a parent/guardian. Registration appreciated.

Press release:

Now is a great time to start a 4-H Club in the Genesee County 4-H Program. The new 4-H Club Year begins Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2020.

The 4-H Program teaches youth life skills through hands on activities in a variety of project areas. Youth ages 5 to 18 years are always welcome to join.  Adult volunteers and new 4-H Clubs are always welcome as well. 

Starting a 4-H Club is fun and easy. You can start a 4-H Club in five easy steps!

How to Start a 4-H Club in 5 Easy Steps:

1.  Complete the New 4-H Volunteer Enrollment Form.

2.  Attend an orientation meeting with 4-H Staff.

3.  Enroll 5 youth in your club (age 5 – 18).

4.  Have members choose a club name.

5.  Plan monthly club meetings and projects with parents and youth.

For more information on starting a 4-H Club or joining the 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

Photo and information submitted by a reader.

Here's a photo of the Resurrection Parish Faith Formation Team for the academic year 2019-2020.

Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph Parish / St. Mary's church (on Ellicott Street)) is a Roman Catholic church located at 303 E. Main St. in Batavia.

So far, 18 families and more than 30 students have committed to learning about the Catholic faith this year! More are welcome and encouraged to learn about their faith.

Pastor is Father Ivan Trujillo and Jason Smith is the director.

Classes begin Sunday, Sept. 15 and people can contact Smith at: resurrectionff14020@yahoo.com

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting its Seventh Annual Senior Bus Trip on Wednesday, Sept. 18th. This year's trip will be traveling to the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora.

The trip will include a two-hour tour of the campus, going through many of the buildings not always open to the general public.

After the tour we will be eating lunch at the beautiful Roycroft Inn, with a choice of entrees: lemon rosemary chicken, garden penne, or salmon.

There will also be time afterward for exploring of Downtown East Aurora, where everyone can enjoy the wonderful shopping opportunities including the famous Vidler’s 5 & 10. It bills itself as the "largest 5 & 10 cent variety store in the world" -- over 75,000 items spread through four buildings on two floors.

The bus will be leaving at 9 a.m. from the museum and returning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person ($55 for HLOM museum members). Must be 60 years of age or older to purchase tickets for this event.

For more information please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The event is made possible by the Muriel H. Marshall Fund.

An exhibition of paintings by Bruce Adams titled “Untitled” will be on display at Roz Steiner Gallery on the campus of Genesee Community College starting today (Aug. 20) and running through Sept. 21.

There will be an artist talk at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, with two receptions that afternoon at 1 o'clock and 5 o'clock.

About his upcoming exhibit "Unititled," Adams writes:

My recent work focuses on process, which incorporates collaboration and chance. Reading (the Talking Heads frontman) David Byrne’s (nonfiction) book "How Music Works," impacted my thinking on art making, partly by reinforcing and clarifying ideas that had already been rattling around in my head.

"...The 'Untitled' works...spotlight human proclivity to form symbolic and narrative associations. My intent is to make paintings that generate emotional responses, what Byrne calls, “devices that tap into our shared psychological makeup.”

Sometime ago I began working with “models,” partly out of concern for copyright infringement issues. Friends and acquaintances volunteer as artistic collaborators, bringing their thoughts to the process. In the studio we converse and improvise hundreds of poses and situations, using props and clothing (and the nude figure) provided by the model, which I photograph.

"From these, images are selected for their evocative quality, and digitally manipulated and meticulously combined with other visual elements. I use Photoshop to do what earlier artists did with preparatory sketches.

"The resulting work references a variety of sources, interests, and personal penchants, including historic portrait and landscape painting, film, popular culture, gender identity, the male gaze, and graphic design. The resulting imagery is transformed again through the process of painting.

"Throughout this fluid process, the work is continuously and freely evolving, with the goal of evoking multiple interpretations and narratives. The choice to call the series 'Untitled' reflects my decision to allow the work to evolve without a single underlying construct.

About Bruce Adams

Bruce Adams is best known as a conceptually based figurative painter who works in various figurative painting styles. In exploring painting, Adams peels back the layers of meaning inherent in making and viewing art.

Formally trained in art education at Buffalo State College, Adams extended his education as an artist through his involvement in Western New York’s contemporary art scene, starting in the 1980s as director/curator of a small storefront gallery called peopleart bflo, then with Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center as an Artist Advisory Committee cofounder, longtime board member, and board president.

Adams’ work also includes installation and performance art, and he has years of experience as an art educator, and more recently an award-winning critical writer. He has exhibited extensively locally and nationally, and his work is included in numerous private and museum collections including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Castellani Museum, UB Anderson Gallery, and Burchfield-Penney Art Center.

Photo from the 2019 State Fair Dog Show, from left: Corinne Rhoads, Essie, Eva Rhoads, Madison Harrington, Dexter. 

Submitted photo and press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 4-H Dog Show at the New York State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Representing Genesee County 4-H were: Madison Harrington and her dog Dexter; Eva Rhoads and Essie; Eva Rhoads and Avery; and Riley Smith and Cash. 

Madison and Dexter won Grand Champion Grooming and Handling A Senior. Eva and Essie won Reserve Grand Champion Grooming and Handling B Senior. 

For more information about the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

It will be raining kittens at Petco from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, Aug. 18.

Kittens of all colors, shapes, sizes, personalities, males and females will be visiting Petco from their foster homes. Foster parents will be on hand to answer any questions and help you find the purrrfect kitty friend!

Volunteers for Animals will be accepting adoption applications on kittens not yet old enough for adoption.

Kittens ready for forever homes will be $60, which includes vaccines, testing, and neutering or spaying.

Petco is located at 4226 Veterans Memorial Drive in Towne Center at Batavia.

Submitted photos and press release:

TOWN OF BATAVIA

• William J. Allen Jr. 
• Josh K. Boyle
• Thomas M. Garlock 
• Clayton A. Gorski 
• Thomas E. Marlowe 
• Bryan A. Moscicki

EAST PEMBROKE

• Matthew N. Allen 
• Samantha M. Cavalieri

One of five modules required to earn  the Fire Officer 1 certification, the Company Training & Community Risk Reduction course covers the basic responsibilities of the fire officer as they relate to community relations, company-level building inspections and community risk reduction.

Additionally, this course provides potential fire officers with the basic knowledge of how to determine company-level training needs, teaching from a lesson plan, documentation of training activities, and different methods to conduct company-level training. 

Press release:

If you are a Genesee County resident 60 or older (or you know someone who is) and would like help with small repairs to your home, inside or out, let the Handyman help.

The Handyman Program, offered through the Pathstone Corporation and funded by the Muriel Marshall Fund, is a home maintenance and minor repair program.

According to a comment posted by program supervisor John Wiltse, and confirmed by Office of the Aging specialist Maureen Estabrooks, there is no charge for lower-income seniors needing grab bars or hand rails installed or other services with modest materials costs.

Wiltse says seniors may need to cover part of the cost of materials, depending on the dollar amount. For higher-income seniors, the program requests a donation of $10/hr. for handyman labor to help offset program costs.

Call NY Connects/Office for the Aging at 343-1611 for more information.

A sampling of services is as follows:

• Install grab-bars
• Repair entry steps Install hand rails
• Repair porches
• Electrical repairs
• Window and door repairs
• Install weather stripping
• Gutter repairs
• Install smoke detectors/change batteries
• Hang pictures
• Fix faucets
• Unclog drains
• Install mailboxes
• Install locksets & deadbolts

The 16th annual Fur Ball to benefit the Spay/Neuter Program at the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be held at the Sacred Heart Social Center in the City of Batavia starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

There will be food and beverages and basket raffles and silent auctions.

Tickets are $25; tickets for children 12 and under are $15. Tables of 10 are available for $250.

Make checks payable to: Volunteers for Animals -- Spay/Neuter Program. They can be mailed to: Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia NY 14020

The Sacred Heart Social Center is located at 17 Sumner St.

The Volunteers for Animals is now accepting new items for the auctions/raffles for the Fur Ball. They can be left at the shelter during adoption hours.

The shelter is located at 131 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Adoption hours are:

• Afternoons on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Also, Wednesday nights from 7 to 9
• CLOSED THURSDAYS
• Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

info@vol4animals.org

www.vol4animals.org

vfafurball@gmail.com

Press release:

Garden Talk is back from its July break! Join us on the first Thursday of the month starting this Thursday, Aug. 1.

All Garden Talk programs run from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Bring your lunch to the Cornell Cooperative Extension office (420 E. Main St., Batavia) and join us. This free series is open to the public. Registration is not required.

Our lineup for the remainder of the year is as follows:

Aug. 1 -- “Sensory Gardens” – Come learn about the benefits and how to create a garden for the five senses. The talk will include how they can be used as a healing therapy for people as well as encourage natural learning experiences for children. The sensory garden invites everyone to enjoy the garden and stimulate their senses.

Sept. 5 – “Growing Garlic” -- “There are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, for me, garlic is the most deserving” -- Leo Buscaglia. Let’s celebrate Buscaglia’s appreciation of this most essential plant! Join us for a talk on all things garlic -- its history, uses, horticultural varieties and cultivation.

Oct. 3 – “Autumn Décor Demonstration” -- Join us as Master Gardener Jane Grehlinger shows us how to create a fall masterpiece from the garden.

Nov. 7 – “Gardens of England” -- Master Gardener Pam Ketchum will present brief reflections from a 13-day tour of English gardens. Highlights will include the Chelsea Flower Show, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst and Hidcote. Ketchum will share some history of the original owners, and talk about structure, garden rooms, patterning, pathways, and of course – color.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.