Announcements

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our first Garden Talk of the year, “A Photo Garden Tour of Hillwood Estates,” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Get rid of the winter blues with a look at Hillwood’s spectacular gardens which contain a diverse and fascinating array of plants. Nestled in the hills of northwest Washington, D.C., we will explore the beauty and tranquility of the formal gardens that were the vision Marjorie Post.

Bring your lunch to the CCE office (420 E. Main St., Batavia) and join us during the “lunch hour.” This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Other topics planned for the year include “Night Blooming Plants” on March 7, “Dahlias 101” on April 4, learn how to make a copper wire hummingbird feeder on May 2 and scouting for pests in the garden on June 6.

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/ and also on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press release:

Each new year brings with it the opportunity to recognize more outstanding community members for YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards. Worthy candidates not only exemplify YWCA’s mission and vision but also represent a wide cross section of people working toward the good of others.

These awards are about honoring women while also serving to acknowledge all of those deserving people, organizations and businesses that help to eliminate racism, empower women and/or encourage economic independence, healthy relationships and a community free from violence.

Your nominations are wanted. Nominations are due March 1 and may be emailed to: jwalton@ywcagenesee.org or sent to YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia, NY, 14020. Please include your name and contact information, the award category, name of nominee, some background and reasons for your nomination.

“It’s hard to believe that we are here again seeking nominations for our six awards, but we are confident that this community is ripe with commendable candidates,” Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. “Please take a few moments of your time to think about those people, agencies and companies that cross your path. Have they made a difference? Is the community better for their good deeds? Then let us know!”

Traditionally a weekend event, this year’s Gala has been changed to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15 at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road. The Women of Distinction Committee hopes that a weeknight will better suit people’s busy lives while still serving as a great time to showcase our local talent, dedication and philanthropic efforts, Walton said.

The selection committee is looking for nominations of men, women, companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond in the following categories:

Racial Justice: Supporting diversity through one's initiatives, philosophies and/or programs. This may include service in a leadership role, with commitment to racial justice and a high standard of courage, integrity and commitment to YWCA's mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

Economic Empowerment: Helping women to face the challenge of economic inequality or hardship. This is done with programs or initiatives that create opportunities for women to lift themselves from their current circumstances and gain more options to improve their lives.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Making a continuous effort to recruit, develop and promote a diverse work force and foster an inclusive  environment where women leaders thrive.

Military/Veteran: A veteran or related agency that has worked on behalf of veterans and continues to serve through civic, personal and/or professional improvements.

Advocacy/Civic Engagement: Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Peace: Striving to make the world a better place by emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion and peace.

For more information, go to ywcagenesee.org or call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be holding a series of FREE Anger Management Workshops at their 113 Main St. office in Batavia, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 31^th.

Those who attend will be shown practical steps: to learn to manage anger; to stop violence and the threat of violence; to develop self-control over thoughts and actions; and to receive support and feedback from others in the workshops.

This workshop will be co-facilitated by Jim Strollo and Debra McKnight who bring experience and perspective to the endeavor. McKnight is a New York State Certified Peer Specialist who has a degree in Human Services and holds a Mental Health First Aid Certificate. She is trained to provide help to people experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Strollo has a Master in Psychology degree and is a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). He has conducted the Impaired Driver Program in Wyoming County for the past 26 years. He retired from the New York State Department of Corrections after a career of 25 years in counseling inmates. Together, they will create a welcoming and supportive environment.

Among the specific topics to be addressed are: an Overview of Group Anger Management Treatment; A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Events and Cues that can produce Anger; Helping Group Members Develop a Plan for Controlling Anger; How to Change the Aggression Cycle; The A-B-C-D Model of Cognitive Restructuring and Thought Stopping; Alternatives for Expressing Anger through Assertiveness Training and the Conflict Resolution Model; How Past Learning can Influence Present Behavior in Family Situations; Reinforcing Learned Concepts; Graduation and the Awarding of Certificates of Completion.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region serves people with disabilities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Participants must attend all 12 workshops to earn their certificates. Pre-registration is required. You can receive more information, and sign up for the workshops, by contacting Jim Strollo at (585) 815-8501, ext. 410, or by email at jstrollo@wnyil.org. Again, please be sure to RSVP if you are interested!

Tickets are still available for the 15th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner! The dinner will take place Saturday, March 18 at the Alexander Fire Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m.  This event is a celebration of Genesee County’s number one industry – Agriculture. The highlight is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna’s Catering.

The dinner is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (8276 Park Road, Batavia) for $30 each. A table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are available for $350 and help to support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. Tickets will not  be sold at the door.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District. Many local farms and businesses sponsor or donate products to this event.

For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440, ext. 1027 or chamber@geneseeny.com

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our monthly garden series, “Garden Talk." We plan to hold a variety of garden related topics on the first Tuesday of the month starting in February and running through November. (Please note: the July program will be held on July 11.)

Taught by Master Gardeners, these programs will be held during the “lunch hour” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. We invite you to join us and bring your lunch to the CCE office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

“A Photo Garden Tour of Hillwood Estates” will be the first program in the series, on Feb. 7. Get rid of the winter blues with a look at Hillwood’s spectacular gardens which contain a diverse and fascinating array of plants. Nestled in the hills of northwest Washington, D.C., we will explore the beauty and tranquility of the formal gardens that were the vision of Marjorie Post.

Explore the mysterious world of “Night Blooming Plants” on March 7. Night-blooming plants in your garden can add another dimension of enjoyment to summer evenings. While many plants bloom around the clock, many prefer the coolness of the night to release their most intense fragrance. Varieties with white flowers and foliage also reflect moonlight and give the garden a glowing beauty. Join us to explore some new ideas and learn about the flowering beauties of the night shift!

New to dahlias? Dahlias are easy to grow and yield beautiful flowers from midsummer through fall. They are also an affordable way to add spectacular blooms and brilliant color to your garden this summer. We will cover dahlia types, tuber sourcing, planting, growing, harvesting and storage. Join us on April 4 for “Dahlias 101.” Be warned, once you try growing a few dahlias, you may end up hooked.

Who doesn’t love hummingbirds! Learn how to make a copper wire hummingbird feeder on May 2. We’ll show you how to make your own feeder just in time for the hummingbirds to return.

On June 6 join us for a walk around the CCE Gardens as we take a look at the plants and scout for insect pests and diseases. Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in the garden can help you find a pest before it becomes a real problem.

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/ and also on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press release:

The Genesee County Baseball Club will hold its annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 25^th from 4:30 - 8 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church Hall at 17 Sumner St. in Batavia. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner at 5:30.

The Hot Stove Dinner is a time for good food, new and renewed friendships, and baseball talk. The night also features both a live and Chinese auction of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses. 

Tickets may be purchased in Batavia at Dwyer Stadium, the Williams Law Firm, and the office of Dr. Alan Barcomb.

Press release:

Even though summer is long gone, residents with a craving for chicken BBQ are in luck. A delicious chicken with sides will be available at the upcoming Corfu-Pembroke Winterfest thanks to volunteers from the Corfu Free Library. 

Winterfest takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Pembroke Intermediate School, 58 Alleghany Road in Corfu. The Corfu Free Library will be selling a chicken BBQ dinner at Winterfest that includes barbequed chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and a roll and butter. The chicken will be cooked by volunteers from the Corfu Fire Department. 

The boxed chicken BBQ dinners can be picked up from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at this annual family-friendly event. Pre-sale tickets are available at the library for $9 and will also be sold at the door for $10. 

“We sold out last year, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to be sure to get your dinner,” says Diana Reding, Library director. 

Winterfest offers residents a time to enjoy music, entertainment, food, prizes, raffles in addition to the chicken BBQ. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

The Corfu Free Library offers a variety of special programs and services and residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org or stop by 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the opening of their new offices and tourism visitor center with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. 

An open house of the new Chamber facilities will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. The new office, located at 8276 Park Road in Batavia, houses a new tourism visitor center and office spaces for both the Chamber of Commerce and Genesee County Tourism staff. 

The two-level, 3,400-square-foot space was a former physical therapist's office. Funds from the Chamber of Commerce and county bed tax surplus paid for the building and renovations.

The upstairs level houses the chamber’s offices and board room. The new board room offers flexible seating arrangements which will help in hosting meetings and seminars. 

In addition to larger office, meeting, administrative and parking space, the Chamber sought out the Park Road location due to its proximity to Batavia’s hotel district and New York State Thruway.

The new visitor center will have 24- hour accessibility for travelers. During normal business hours, a staffed visitor center will be open to greet and assist guests. During off-hours, the front vestibule with visitor information will be available. Large maps, brochure displays and staff at the service desk will assist guests during their stay in Genesee County. 

Volunteer forms are now available for community members who are interested in greeting visitors and assisting them at the new center. Forms can be picked up at the Park Road location or can be requested by email at visit@geneseeny.com. 

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County sophomores, juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program. 

We are currently recruiting our fifth class and are looking for 15 youth representing our nine high schools who would like to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of the community and resources therein. Genesee Youth Lead is designed to help our youth assess their strengths, weaknesses and potential for personal and intellectual growth. We provide the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills by being a part of a team, the community and by hands-on learning within the county. This fall students were able to take field trips, speak directly with government officials, and so much more.

The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College & Genesee County Youth Bureau beginning March 18th at GCC with a Meet & Greet and then class to follow. The class sessions are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturdays; March 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 22, 29, and May 6 and 13. The program will cost $55 and the students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. The areas of the community to be explored during the fall program are Government & Law Enforcement, Health & Human Services, and Agriculture. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau. 

Applications for the program will only be accepted until Feb. 24th and can be found at:http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/. Please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585)344-3960 or at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

City Bureau of Maintenance crews have started picking up Christmas trees, and will continue to pick up trees through Jan. 31.

City residents are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands, or decorations as these can damage equipment. Please keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible.

Press release:

For nearly 80 years, Ferrellgas has provided propane service to homes, farms, and businesses in our community and across the nation. With the help of local residents, Ferrellgas plans to deliver more than just propane this holiday season.

Ferrellgas is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves this year and putting them into the hands of less fortunate members of our community.

Donations can be given to Ferrellgas deliverymen or brought to the Ferrellgas office at 655 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020 through Dec. 30. At the end of the coat drive, Ferrellgas will donate items collected to one or more local charities.

“Ferrellgas is proud to provide a product that helps keep people in our community warm and provides some comfort in their lives,” says Doug Muha, Ferrellgas’ local director of Operations. “But we realize that too many local residents will struggle to stay warm this winter because they don’t have an adequate coat. Our goal is to help provide one to as many people here as possible. Thanks to the generous members of our community, we look forward to doing just that.”

Muha said local residents do not have to be customers of Ferrellgas to participate in the coat drive.

More information about Ferrellgas can be found at www.Ferrellgas.com.

The "Benefit for Bob" chicken BBQ to benefit Bob Yungfleisch, former chief of the all-volunteer East Pembroke Fire District, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6.

This is a take-out-only dinner and Chinese auction at the East Pembroke Fire Hall. Cost is $10 per person. Pick up is from noon till sold out.

Advance ticket sales are strongly desired.

It is important to contact the fire hall or organizer Don Newton IN ADVANCE about buying tickets and/or making a donation so people know how many chicken dinners to buy. They don't want to buy too many unnecessarily or not have enough for those who show up.

The East Pembroke Fire Hall is located at 2623 Main Road in East Pembroke. Phone is (585) 762-9044. Email:    epfd@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce an expansion of its annual schedule of events for veterans at the Batavia Campus Center. Veterans of all ages, active duty, reserve or separated veterans, along with their families and friends are invited to GCC for special opportunities on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10-11.

"We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the many offerings and opportunities we have here at GCC for veterans," Marie Giardino, program director of Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) said. "While these special events are planned around Veterans Day, our services continue throughout the year at all of our campus locations."

On Thursday, Nov. 10, from 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. in the College Forum, the Batavia campus will host a Veterans Career and Community Fair, giving veterans the opportunity to meet with potential employers and interact with numerous community agencies that offer an array of helpful services. Veterans can interact with regional service providers in higher education, vocational training, healthcare, housing and transportation. Among the organizations that will be present (subject to change):

• Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY Inc.

• Rochester Regional Health

• Bonduelle USA Inc.

• Five Star Bank

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• ATB Staffing Services

• National Tractor Trailer School

• NY Army National Guard

• Navient/Pioneer Credit Recovery 

• ConServe

• Darien Lake Amusement Park

• Fidelis Care New York

• United Memorial Medical Center

Veterans should plan on bringing their resumes, a copy of their DD214 forms, and if they are looking for employment -- "dress to impress!"

Prior to the Career and Community Fair from 1 – 1:45 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to listen to Purple Heart recipient Benjamin Randle Jr., director of Veterans Affairs at D'Youville College, who will speak about the life changing educational opportunities. Randle is a Vietnam War Veteran and his talk will occur in room T102 in the Conable Technology Building.

The annual Veterans Day "Faculty Connect" Open House in Batavia is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and it's the biggest recruitment event of the year at GCC.

Visitors have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with professors and instructors at the Academic Fair which runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and gain inside knowledge about GCC's many majors and long-term career projections. The admissions, financial aid and advisement staff are available to answer questions, and visitors can enjoy complete tours of the Batavia campus, College Village and the College's Nursing labs, as well as the dedicated Veterans Lounge. Those looking for a comprehensive review of the academics, admissions and the overall GCC experience should register for this event! Go towww.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or call 866-CALL-GCC.

After the Open House, a series of special Veterans Day events adds to the day, honoring the brave men and women who have defended our country. Tim Palmer, a  Navy veteran, GCC adjunct history instructor and recent SUNY Chancellor Award recipient will serve as keynote speaker for this year's event. Veterans from all eras will be recognized with the Wall of Honor photo display; a rotating photo show of veterans related to any and all GCC students, faculty and staff; a thank you board will be available and open for all to sign; and motivating music, literary readings and refreshments rounds out the day.

For a complete listing of GCC's Spring 2017 course schedule featuring hundreds of courses, go to http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/

FOUND: A neutured, declawed senior cat "in not that great shape" that is 99.5-percent black -- he sports a few white hairs on his belly. No collar or microchip.

"He's an old guy; his eyes are watery. He's in pretty rough shape," says Wendy, who is spreading the news of the "Old Tom" in hopes that maybe he somehow got out of his home and his owner is looking for him.

Old Tom was found at a stranger's residence on South Main Street near River Street in Batavia on Friday and was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. A volunteer promises to send us a photo of him tomorrow to post with this announcement.

If his family is not found, maybe a senior would like another senior to bond with and will adopt him, n'est-ce pas? 

If you can help, please call 343-6410.

UPDATE Monday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.: So, it turns out, this is "Fatty," and Fatty is 17 years old, has always been an indoor/outdoor cat, and belongs to Mark Fanara. Mark will go to the shelter tomorrow at 1 p.m. to reunite with Fatty.