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Announcements

St. Jerome Guild's annual Noel Nook is next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia, on Friday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10-percent discount on the entire order (some exclusions apply).

The Guild, a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the healthcare community for decades and recently celebrated a 100-year jubilee. The Guild operates the Jerome Center Gift Shop at the Bank Street site.

Enjoy punch and cookies and browse our new Christmas and holiday items in the Shop and in the enormous "Nook" room of Snowbabies, Jim Shore figurines, Santas, snowmen, crystal ornaments, crystal candle holders, angels, elegant glittered trees, and glittered ornaments in pastels; holiday wreaths and sprays, hundreds of additional ornaments plus primitive art of tin and wood; bird houses, canvas art, throws, centerpieces, battery-operated candles, candle warmers, night lights.

We also carry a popular variety of walking sticks. Gift cards are available.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish ponchos and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed hats, gorgeous scarves, and headbands. We are featuring a new line of jewelry, petite Ginger Snaps, which are interchangeable with each piece of jewelry and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones. We continue to carry our selection of purses, wristlets, and wallets.

Our reasonably priced "Jerome Collection" includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces sets, some with semiprecious stones, and a wide assortment of watches, and children’s jewelry.

Another new line, "Warm Buddy" of natural heat therapy warm-up plush animals, and spa comforts of essential oils, aromatherapy eye pillow, shoulder wrap, and anti-stress spa mist. You will find gorgeous baby jackets, tummy blankets, bibs, banks, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys and additional plush animals.

If you like Giftology then you will find bar accessories of unusual wine stoppers, "Pilsner Chillers," eclectic and metal wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners. If you like Anthropologie then you will love our home goods including written expressions of wall and counter art, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs and aprons. We continue to carry Stonewall jams and sauces.

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., has fulfilled pledges of more than $100,000 to the UMMC facilities expansions and initiatives, and supports the UMMC Foundation projects as a major sponsor.

Last spring, the annual fashion show and basket raffle proceeds were used to purchase four neonatal bassinets from the hospital wish list. For decades the Guild offers to UMMC employees who are pursuing their educational careers, an annual Health Professional Scholarship.

Children who visit the Jerome Center Urgent Care are comforted with plush animals. The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts serving the community. Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at the Shop and for UMMC events, including the Teddy Bear Clinic.

St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon, managed and operated only by Guild volunteers.

New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate.

City leaf collection is Oct. 29 through Nov. 30

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Citywide leaf collection will begin Oct. 29 and will continue until Nov. 30.

Residents of the following streets can rake leaves to the parkway, but do not place in the street; these streets are Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main Street), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak Street and Walnut Street),Walnut Street, Richmond Ave (between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue). If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

All other streets are asked to rake leaves close to the curb line, taking care not to block storm drainage structures/catch basins or not to block travel-way of streets.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Northside working from Grandview Terrace moving west, north of Main Street, and a second crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving East in areas South of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about two weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season on Dec. 8. Beginning Nov. 5, the Yard Waste Station hours will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Yard Waste Station is closed on Thursday, Nov. 22, for Thanksgiving.

Important Information About Leaf Collection:

  • Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris;
  • Leaf piles must be clear of all animal waste – if animal waste is found in the piles, they will not be picked up;
  • Grass clippings, flower pottings, branches, pumpkins cannot be picked up and residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (which will be open through Dec. 8);
  • Leaves should not block traffic;
  • Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/bicyclists/pedestrians;
  • Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding;
  • Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.  Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire;
  • Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection;
  • If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended;
  • There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Bureau of Maintenance, 147 Walnut St., Batavia

Phone: 585-345-6400, Opt. 1

Fax: 585-343-6199

www.batavianewyork.com

Reception to be held Nov. 15 to meet new Cornell Extension executive director

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will host a reception to meet the newly appointed Executive Director, Christopher Crawford, immediately prior to the organization’s annual meeting. 

The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. There is no cost to attend.

Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please RSVP by Nov. 9 to Yvonne: ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040, ext. 123.

Read about the new executive director here.

Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament is Nov. 3 at Le Roy HS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The sixth annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Nov. 3rd, with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The Tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, and Self Defense.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell (Borrell’s Karate Academy Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/clinic organizers for the past 40 years.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each.

The high school is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

To see a flier go to www.tatsudo.com and click the link at left of page “November 2018 TMAA Tournament - Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon. They break everything from boards, bricks, coconuts, and Louisville Sluggers with their shins.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please calls 585-414-3181 for more information, minimum 15 years old, no experience needed.

Open call for entries to juried show 'Art of the Town' highlighting artists with disabilities

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Organizers are making an open call for entries to "Art of the Town," a FREE public art exhibition at the Moon Java Café at 56 Harvester Ave., south of McKinley Avenue in Batavia.

There will be an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The evening reception will showcase two-dimensional work.

The reception at Moon Java Café is in support of the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition Program, which regularly exhibits work by artists who are disabled at the Independent Living Center in Batavia.

Art of the Town sponsors include University Heights Arts Association, Independent Living of the Genesee Region and Moon Java Café. This unique opportunity highlights artwork from artists with disabilities.

This a juried competition and will include a cash prize for People’s Choice and Best of the Show. There are no fees to participate.

Exhibitors are welcome to offer their work for sale; or not. Those interested in offering their works, or seeking other information on submission guidelines, should call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

For more than two years, ILGR has been “art partnering” with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that their exhibitions have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque at ILGR with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

The Moon Java Café is one of several businesses and artistic enterprises that operate in the Batavia Industrial Center, a mixed-use facility made from the former Massey-Ferguson farm equipment factory, which was the world's first business incubator program.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

10th annual Harvest Craft Show at North Bergen Presbyterian Church is Nov. 10

By Billie Owens

Many crafters and vendors will again be at the 10th Annual Harvest Craft Show on Saturday, Nov. 10, at North Bergen Presbyterian Church.

It is located at 7068 N. Bergen Road, Bergen, and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendors include Scentsy, Lakeshore Alpacas, Tastefully Simple and more more! There will be lots of handmade goods and holiday items.

For the first time there will be "Story Time with Heather" at noon, featuring Usborne children's books, activity and coloring books. Bring the kids for some fun!

Lunch and snack items will be available! Raffles for craft items and a handmade, musically themed Christmas quilt will be held.

Contact 585-455-3392 for more info.

Arc's annual Chili & Chowder Fest & Bake Sale & Basket Raffle is Nov. 17

By Billie Owens

Arc of Genesee Orleans annual Chili & Chowder Fest & Bake Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Arc Community Center.

It is located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia.

There will also be grilled cheese sandwiches for purchase in addtion to the hearty, homemade chili and chowder. Take-outs available.

Early tickets will be available only from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

Tickets, both presale Friday and day-of-the-event Saturday, are available only at the Arc Community Center on Woodrow Road.

All proceeds benefit people with disabilities.

There will be 100 theme baskets raffled off. Need not be present to win. Drawings will be at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.

Want to donate a basket or get more information? Call Arc of Genesee Orleans at 343-4203.

Tops to offer 11-percent discount to vets on Nov. 11 with proof of service

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Sunday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11-percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day. 

"The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chief executive officer.  “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, and participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

Two more Coffee Talks to be held at City Church -- Outback this fall

By Billie Owens

If you have a friend or family member struggling with addiction, consider connecting with others in the same situation at a get-together at City Church -- Outback on two upcoming Saturdays.

"Coffee Talk" will be held on Nov. 3 and Dec. 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 210 E. Main St., Downtown Batavia. Both sessions will feature a keynote speaker -- TBA.

Join others for a relaxed time of support, encouragement and coffee, of course!

Friends of Recovery NY know that: "Addiction can have a devastating impact on the families of those struggling with a substance abuse disorder. In fact, it's been said that addiction is a disease of 1+4 because it affects not only the individual, but at least four other loved ones as well.

"Sadly, family members are often at a loss for how to help the individual in active addiction, other members of the family or even themselves. To make matters worse, the shame and stigma society associates with addiction keeps those who need help from reaching out -- even to close friends and family.

"Instead, most families struggling with addiction suffer in silence and don't know where to turn."

The good news is that there are some wonderful family resources available to help them and other loved ones cope, heal and carry on.

For more information, please call The City Church at 343-6895.

Veterans enjoyed a dinner dance at the VA Center on Thursday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and information:

Veterans, their friends and family members enjoyed a dinner dance at the Veterans Community Living Center on Richmond Avenue in Batavia on Thursday afternoon.

It was hosted by the VA Western New York Healthcare System and held in the Recreation Hall of Building 4. The event was organized by Recreation Therapy, Nursing, other VA staff and the community.

Vets were treated to stuffed meatloaf dinner prepared by D&R Depot while enjoying music by Dr. Marc Maller, VA physician, and Kelly’s Old Timers Band. The Alexander Girls High School Soccer Team assisted staff with this special event, which included crowning a King and Queen.

Batavia Concert Band seeks equipment hauler for 2019 summer concert season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band is currently in need of a Cartage/Equipment Coordinator for the 2019 summer concert season.

Responsibilities include transporting all concert equipment (percussion, sound, podium etc) to and from rehearsal and concert locations (Genesee Community College and Centennial Park).

A van or truck is necessary, and preference will be given to those applicants that have the ability to pull a trailer.

Compensation is $450 for the season plus mileage.

Please call or text Jason Smith at (585) 590-0743 for more information.

Public Notice: East Pembroke Fire District to hold public hearing Oct. 13 on proposed 2019 budget

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

A public hearing will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District in the East Pembroke Fire Hall, 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia, on Oct. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m.

It will be held to permit public review of the proposed budget for the East Pembroke Fire District for the calendar year of 2019, pursuant to Town Law 176.

A copy of the proposed budget has been filed with the town clerks at Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, and is available for review.

All those residing within the area to be served -- people, firms and corporations owning real property within the area to be served, and all those whose business interests or employment would either be benefited or adversely affected, whether or not a resident or owner of real property within the area to be served -- will have the right to be heard in person or by representative at the public hearing.

This is by order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Pembroke Fire District, Towns of Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, Genesee County New York.

William R. Joyce, Secretary East Pembroke Fire District

This is Fire Prevention Week: city firefighters urge people to 'Look. Listen. Learn.'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This is Fire Prevention Week and the City of Batavia Fire Department encourages residents to “Look. Listen. Learn.” What does that mean?

Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.

The City of Batavia Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) -- the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years -- to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” which works to educate the public about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.

NFPA statistics show that the number of U.S. home fires has been steadily declining over the past few decades. However, the death rate per 1,000 home fires that are reported to fire departments was 10 percent higher in 2016 than in 1980.

“These numbers show that while we’ve made significant progress in teaching people how to prevent fires from happening, there’s still much more work to do in terms of educating the public about how to protect themselves in the event of one,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “This is particularly critical given the increased speed at which today’s home fires grow and spread.”

Carli also notes that although people feel safest in their home, it is also the place people are at greatest risk to fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home. That over-confidence contributes to a complacency toward home escape planning and practice.

“Working in the fire service for many years, we know that people often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives,” said Chief Stefano Napolitano of the City of Batavia Fire Department. “We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference escape planning and practice can make and motivating them to action.” 

Napolitano says this year’s “Look. Listen. Learn.” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire.

  • Look for places fire could start.
  • Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm.
  • Learn two ways out of every room.

While NFPA and the City of Batavia Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply to virtually anywhere.

“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” Chief Napolitano said. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

The City of Batavia Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week; including stops at Batavia schools, housing units and the library.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.FirePreventionWeek.org.

Troop #42222 of Elba completes fairgrounds' horse barn project to earn prestigious Cadette Silver Award

By Billie Owens

Elba Girl Scout Troop #42222 members are pictured above from left: Alexandra Belluscio, Lindsay Augello, Laci Sewar and Dakota Brinkman.

Submitted photos and press release:

Elba Girl Scout Troop #42222 is proud to announce the completion on Sept. 30 of the requirements for their Cadette Silver Award.

Their project focused on making multiple improvements to the horse barn at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. The horse barn is used by various horse programs throughout the community during the year.

Just a few of the areas the Troop focused on were various structural improvements made to the west entrance way and gate of the barn.

This consisted of: the replacement of the damaged primary entrance way walls; hand digging 4-foot deep holes to replace support beams for the entrance walls; adding a weed barrier prior to placing fresh mulch; installing a wheel on the gate; and organizing the tool supply storage area after making the necessary wall repairs to improve its usability.

The girls spent numerous hours painting donated wood, walls and doors as well as obtaining several supply donations (rakes, shovels, water buckets, etc.) for shared use by those using the horse barn.

The Troop would like to thank the many donors and volunteers who helped to make this project a successful one. The girls will now bridge from a Cadette to a Senior level Girl Scout and can begin thinking about their Gold Award Project!

Independent Living of the Genesee Region holds 'Meet the Candidate' forum on Oct. 16

By Billie Owens

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a free “Meet the Candidates” Day to enable local residents with disabilities -- or anyone from the community -- to hear and discuss issues with some on the ballot in the November General Election.

Our Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk points out that those who achieve local positions now may be the state and national leaders of tomorrow! So, whatever your political views, this is your year to get involved!

The event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 16th, from 1 to 4 p.m., in ILGR’s Main Office at 113 Main St., Suite 5, near Center Street in Batavia.

We’ve invited those running for the following positions, although not all will attend: U.S. Senator; Representative in Congress; State Senator – Districts 59, 61, 62; Assembly – Districts 139, 147; Genesee County Coroner; Alexander Town Justice; Bergen Town Councilmember; Town of Bethany Highway Superintendent; Elba: Town Clerk; Town Justice; Le Roy Town Councilmember; Oakfield Town Councilmember; Pavilion: Town Supervisor and Town Councilmember; and various Genesee County town positions.

They will address their constituents and take questions.

If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them. The building is fully disability accessible.

To RSVP or get additional information call Donna at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Mark Your Calendar: GSO 'Dare to Dream' concert is Oct. 28 at GCC

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra, with S. Shade Zajac music director/conductor, will perform at Genesee Community College on Sunday, Oct. 28.

The program for "Dare to Dream" is as follows:

  • "Electric Dream for Acoustic Orchestra" -- World Premiere, by S. Shade Zajac
  • "Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra" featuring Guest Artist Marza Wilks, cellist, by Samuel Barber
  • "Symphony No. 2 in B Minor" by Alexander Borodin.

Meet the orchestra at 3 p.m., followed by the concert at 4.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $7 for students; $10 for seniors; $35 for a family with parents and children age 12 and under.

Tickets are available at GO ART!, The YNGodess Shop, Vinyl Record Revival, Bank of Castile in Le Roy, and at geneseesymphony.com

This concert is sponsored by WBTA and is also made possible, in part, by the NYS Council on the Arts, with the support of Gov. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.

The college is located at 1 College Road in the Town of Batavia.

Local artist Karen Crittenden gives hands-on demo on drawing mandalas at GO ART!

By Billie Owens
 
Happy fall! The next meeting of the Batavia Society of Artists is 7 to 9 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 9th, at GO ART! It is located in historic Seymour Place in Downtown Batavia, 201 E. Main St.
 
Due to some unforeseen circumstances we have had to change a few things on our fall schedule for October and November.
 
Karen Crittenden will be give a hands-on demo on mandalas! In addition, Nikki Tamfer will be giving a hands-on printmaking demo in November.
 
There is no fee to attend a demo for BSA members; fee for non-members is $5.
 
Karen Crittenden's Bio:

"I have been drawing and making crafty things for as long as I can remember. I was introduced to mandalas when I lived in Turkey and saw them in museums, on handpainted tiles, on cave walls and other places in that part of the world.

"I forgot about them for many years and was reminded of them about 20 or 25 years ago and became fascinated with the actual process of drawing them. I figured out how to break the process down to create a skeleton and go from there.

"I also enjoy working with sacred geometry and fractals, which is kind of funny because I don’t really enjoy math all that much. I own and operate a small niche yarn, craft and fine art store in Batavia,where I also offer group and private lessons in art, crafts and the fiber hand arts."

Lots going on at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

There are many promotions and schedule changes at Batavia Downs over the next nine days and here is a look at the lineup.  

This Saturday (Oct. 6) has an early post of 4:45 p.m. and promises a full night of entertainment. 

The featured race on the live racing card is the $15,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, named for the longtime Western New York trainer/driver whose specialty was diagonal-gaited Standardbreds. Schroeder raced some of the best trotters of his era at Batavia Downs and even competed in the 1993 Hambletonian with Collier St. Joey. 

Among the entrants of that race is the French-bred trotter Bioness (Sam Bourbon-Quiradelle D’hilly) who was purchased and imported this spring through the French American Trotting Club program developed by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York. Since coming to the U.S. Bioness has won three out of seven starts, taking a mark of 1:54.3 at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs and has earned $88,970 in the process. 

Fans attending the races Saturday can take advantage of the Match Play promotion. Wager a minimum of $25 with a mutuel clerk on any Batavia Downs Gaming live harness race at the same time between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and receive $25 in gaming free-play. 

After the races on Saturday, there will be a live tribute concert to the classic film "American Graffiti" in the Paddock Room. Tickets are $10 and seating is on a first-come basis.  

Then on Columbus Day Monday (Oct. 8) enjoy Batavia Downs annual matinee racing card with a special 1:15 p.m. post. Purchase a chicken barbecue (provided by the Center Street Smoke House) for $10.95 from noon to 3 p.m. in the clubhouse and receive $10 in gaming free play. 

If chicken isn’t your pleasure, there will also be $1 Sahlen’s hot dog, draft beer and soda at the Homestretch Grill and on the apron from noon until after the last race. All live racing programs will also be only $1.  

Then there is a schedule change that needs to be noted. There will be no racing on Wednesday (Oct. 10) and Thursday (Oct. 11). Wednesday was cancelled due to a lack of horses and Thursday was simply moved to Saturday (Oct. 13), which was not originally scheduled. Saturday’s post time will be 4:15 p.m. 

Friday (Oct. 12) will remain as scheduled with a 6 p.m. post time.  

Saturday (Oct. 13) will feature a special Texas Barbecue in the clubhouse with pulled pork and chicken and all the fixings to go along with it for only $16.95. And everyone buying the barbecue will receive $15 in gaming free play. The clubhouse and buffet both open at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. 

For more information on live racing at Batavia Downs, please log on to www.bataviadownsgaming.com.

Mosquito-born West Nile virus turned up in Genesee County last month, precautions to take

By Billie Owens

The following is a Health Guidance*  statement issued by the GC Department of Health about West Nile virus in Genesee (and Orleans) County:

Mosquitoes are usually considered a nuisance pest, but occasionally they can transmit viruses to people and some animals. In New York State, mosquitoes have been found to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, "triple E") and West Nile virus (WNV).

Such viruses can cause serious illness and even death. While your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are very small, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. This year WNV has been detected in both Genesee and Orleans counties.

Specifically, per the NYS Department of Health Statewide Mosquito-Borne Disease Activity Report, last month -- in September -- an equine (horse or related animal), bird and human case tested positive in Genesee County and an equine case in Orleans County.

West Nile Virus Disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals, such as horses.

Vaccine is available to reduce the risk of horses contracting the virus. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for humans, taking the proper preventative actions to avoid getting bit are our best options.

In New York State, cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which begins in the summer and continues throughout fall. Most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm.

Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties states that not all mosquitoes are able to transmit the virus.

“While there are about 70 different species of mosquitoes in the State, only certain species have been associated with WNV,” Balduf said.

WNV is spread ONLY through a mosquito bite.

It is NOT spread through coughing, sneezing, touching live animals, or handling live or dead infected birds. But it is strongly advised to avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal. If you are disposing of a dead bird, use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass (body) in a garbage can.

Symptoms of WNV vary from person to person. Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties, explains that only a small percentage of people infected with the disease will show symptoms.

“Most people infected, 70-80 percent, with WNV do not develop any symptoms," Bedard said.

It is estimated that 20 percent of the people who become infected will develop less severe symptoms including headache and body aches, nausea, fever, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Symptoms of severe infections include (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, coma, and in some cases death.”

Symptoms of WNV usually appear within three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Health care providers diagnose WNV based on the patient's clinical symptoms and laboratory diagnosis by testing blood or spinal fluids, which will show if the virus or antibodies against the virus are present in the person.

Although there is no specific treatment for WNV, health care providers will usually attempt to relieve the symptoms of the illness. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and closely monitored.

When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading a virus to people, acting quickly can stop further spread and prevent more people from getting sick. By using multiple mosquito control methods at the same time, people and communities can help stop the spread of disease.

The New York State Department of Health recommends the following:

  • Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or       when mosquitoes are more active.
  • Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not let children apply mosquito repellent on himself or herself, and do not apply to the hands of small children.
  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (the label may say citriodiol or p-menthane 3,8 -diol). Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Products containing permethrin kill insects that come in contact with treated clothing, and are for use on clothing only, not skin.
  • Use as little repellent as you need, and avoid unnecessary repeat applications. Do not overspray. Apply repellent outdoors.
  • Do not apply near eyes, nose or mouth and use sparingly around ears. • After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
  • Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
  • Close doors and make sure open windows have screens on them.
  • Limit use of perfumes and scents that would attract mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, and their offspring "grow up" in water before emerging as adults that fly and bite. Therefore, mosquitoes can be controlled by controlling water.

Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can transmit disease, lay their eggs in even small amounts of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths and discarded tires. To reduce the mosquito population in and around your home, reduce or eliminate all standing water by following these steps:

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

  • Remove all discarded tires on your property. Check with your local landfill or public works authorities to find out how to dispose of them properly.

  • Remove all fallen leaves.

  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

  • Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Make sure outside toys and play areas are clear of standing water.

  • Change the water in birdbaths at least two times a week. Clean plants and debris from the edge of ponds.

  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, please click here.

For more information on Mosquitoes and Diseases, click here.

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) is now using five types of classifications to provide important information to medical and public health professionals, and to other interested persons:

  • Health Alerts convey information of the highest level of importance which warrants immediate action or attention from New York health providers, emergency responders, public health agencies, and/or the public.
  • Health Advisories provide important information for a specific incident or situation, including that impacting neighboring states; may not require immediate action.
  • * Health Guidances contain comprehensive information pertaining to a particular disease or condition, and include recommendations, guidelines, etc. endorsed by GCHD.
  • Health Updates provide new or updated information on an incident or situation; can also provide information to update a previously sent Health Alert, Health Advisory, or Health Guidance; unlikely to require immediate action.
  • Health Promotions provide information on a upcoming event, observance, or topic area.

Nonprofit transportation network seeks volunteer drivers countywide

By Billie Owens

Volunteer drivers are needed throughout Genesee County.

The Volunteer Transportation Center Inc. (VTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing transportation to non-emergent medical appointments through a network of volunteer drivers. Transportation is provided specifically to those who have Medicaid through a partnership with Medicaid Answering Services, the local Medicaid transportation broker.

“Becoming a volunteer driver is extremely rewarding,” says Luanne VanBrocklin, New Program Implementation director. “What better way to give back to the community than to give a few hours of your time ensuring someone in need receives the medical care they deserve.”

All volunteer drivers must complete an application process which includes a background check, and extensive training. Volunteers are then issued a tablet on which trips are assigned to them to serve local residents. For each trip completed, there is mileage reimbursement of $0.545 per mile for miles driven. However, there is no cost to the client for the transportation.

“Our goal is to make a difference in people’s lives by giving access to the health care they need,” says VanBrocklin.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver, call the Volunteer Transportation Center at (585) 250-5030 or visit www.VolunteerTransportationCenter.org to complete an application today.

The Volunteer Transportation Center Inc. (VTC), was established in 1991 in Northern New York. Over the last 20 years this essential nonprofit organization has provided rides to medical destinations. The staff, Board of Directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to services is accessible to all regardless of economic or special needs.

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