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Town of Darien GOP accepting letters from potential office holders seeking endorsement

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Town of Darien Republican Committee is accepting letters of intent for the following endorsements: Town Council, Town Supervisor, and Town Justice.

All interested parties should submit letters of interest no later than May 1st to:

Town of Darien Republican Committee

Jeffery F. Phelps, Chairman

PO Box 295, Alexander NY 14005

Friday at St. James Church there's 'A Night of Irish Music' to benefit the HOLM

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"A Night of Irish Music" to benefit the Holland Land Office Museum will take place at St. James Episcopal Church on Main Street in the City of Batavia from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Cost is $8 per person. Light refrehsments will be provided.

Irish music will be performed by the music duo No Blarney -- Don Bouchard and Rich Conroy.

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Holland Land Office at 343-4727.

Rollover accident, unknown injuries, on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at 6698 Ellicott St. Road. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics responding. The location is between Sparks and Starr roads.

UPDATE 11:14 p.m.: There are no injuries.

UPDATE 11:20 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service.

GO ART! hosts annual Reach, Ripple and Spark Grant Awards Ceremony at Seymour Place

By Billie Owens

GO ART! hosts the 17th annual Reach, Ripple and Spark Grant Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 13th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

The evening will kick off with a performance by 2015 Reach Grant Recipient -- The Genesee Chorale Children's Chorus.

Event Date and Time
-

Pickup truck vs. school bus accident reported, no injuries, in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A pickup truck vs. school bus accident is reported in the area of Alleghany Road and Water Street, "under the bridge." Corfu fire command confirms no injuries. Engine #42 is responding, along with Mercy medics, non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 7:47 a.m.: Medics are back in service. As required, a rep from the state Department of Transportation is en route to the scene.

'Skate for Jonah' to aid infant with brain tumor is Sunday evening at Falleti Ice Arena

By Billie Owens

Baby Jonah was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January. The 13-week-old started chemotherapy last month to shrink his tumor, but so far the treatment has been unsuccessful. He needs a shunt to relieve intercranial pressure and doctors need to do a brain biopsy to assess his condition and insure his medications are appropriate.

To help offset expenses, his family and friends are going to hold a benefit at the Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia starting at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.

At "Skate for Jonah" there will be activities for everyone; bring the whole family. Cost is a $10 donation for ice time and skate rental. Pizza and refreshments will be available for purchase.

The Buffalo Sabres Hockey Team donated goods autographed to be raffled: a Gionta jersey, Foligno mask, and helmet.

The plan is for Jonah to continue receiving chemo every week for a year. The tumor is located behind his eyes and has caused nystagmus or involuntary eye movement. Despite everything this little man has gone through, he continues to smile, coo, laugh and snuggle with those who dote on him.

The ice arena is located at 22 Evans St.

If you'd like to help out and aren't able to attend the skating event, you can donate online at: http://www.gofundme.com/nxt1yc

Nominees sought for O-A Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements. If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

  1.  Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible.  Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the 5th anniversary of the year of their death.);
  2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 1998;
  3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following:
  • Job-related achievements
  • Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
  • Civic or community involvement
  • Personal achievements/accomplishments
  • Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – April 30) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see links below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

  1. Online Nomination Form  http://www.oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/OnlineForm
  2. PDF Nomination Form http://www.oacsalumni.org/content_files/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/form.pdf

Veness Strollo Ladies Auxiliary in Batavia hosts Spring Fling at VFW Hall to benefit vets

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, March 21, the Vaness Strollo Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #1602 will host a Spring Fling to benefit veterans' programs here and overseas. It will be held at the VFW Hall, located at 25 Edward St. in Batavia.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and pizza and snacks will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be by 87 Southbound, a popular country and rock band.

A $3 donation will be collected at the door.

Event Date and Time
-

Veness Strollo Ladies Auxiliary to host Spring Fling to benefit vets

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, March 21, the Vaness Strollo Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #1602 will host a Spring Fling to benefit veterans' programs here and overseas. It will be held at the VFW Hall, located at 25 Edward St. in Batavia.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and pizza and snacks will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be by 87 Southbound, a popular country and rock band.

A $3 donation will be collected at the door.

There will be a Chinese Auction and a 50/50, the latter will benefit a special project called Team Red, White and Blue. This is a program that enriches the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

Please come out and support our veterans, active military, and have some fun doing it.

Big Ditch Brewing Co. and Sanzo Beverage team up to sell and distribute craft beers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Big Ditch Brewing Company has appointed Sanzo Beverage as its partner in Western New York.  Sanzo Beverage will be responsible for sales and distribution throughout Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans counties starting this month. Both parties are extremely excited to get product to market.

Big Ditch Brewing Company was formed by WNY residents Matt Kahn, Corey Catalano, Wes Froebel, and Paul B. Iskalo. The name of the brewery pays homage to the Erie Canal, which was nicknamed “The Big Ditch” during construction in the early 1800s. As the Erie Canal grew from an idea to a reality, it served as a catalyst for the city of Buffalo’s rapid growth into one of the largest cities in North America. The founders of Big Ditch Brewing hope that the return of local brewing will contribute to the region’s renaissance as well as its proud brewing tradition.

Big Ditch brass released this statement about the partnership: “We are excited to partner with Sanzo Beverage to distribute our line of high-quality craft beers. Both Sanzo Beverage and Big Ditch Brewing are deeply rooted in Western New York and dedicated to making western New York a top notch region for craft beer. We appreciate Sanzo Beverage’s commitment to quality, service and community."

Sanzo Beverage, led by the Sanzo family, has supported all that is local since its inception in 1933. Now, 82 years of history and tradition will align with Big Ditch Brewing Company to bring more locally produced beer to Western New York.

The Sanzo Family and all Sanzo Beverage stakeholders are very excited and proud to represent Big Ditch and all their fine brews. We pride ourselves in supporting local business and “buying local” initiatives. The partnership represents a collective commitment to provide customers and local consumers with high quality, great tasting, locally produced beer.

Register now for Oakfield-Alabama pre-kindergarten and kindergarten

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Children who reside in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 this year are eligible to be registered for our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2015-2016 school year.  If you need a registration packet, please call the elementary school office at 585-948-5211, ext. 3211, to request one, or e-mail kfisher2@oahornets.org

Kindergarten registration is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd through Thursday, March 27th at the elementary school office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2p.m. Information packets have been sent to families. If you did not receive a packet or are new to the district, please notify the elementary office at 948-5211, ext. 3211, and we will send one to you.

Please bring the following mandatory documents with you: a completed Student Information Form (from the packet received in the mail), your child’s birth certificate, two proofs of residency, a current immunization record and a current physical examination.

Only children who have reached their fifth birthday on or before Dec. 1, 2015,may be registered for the 2015-2016 school year.

YWCA seeking nominations for 2015 Women of Distinction Awards, deadline is March 16

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The YWCA's 2015 Women of Distinction Awards Selection Committee is looking for nominations of 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 nonpolitical processes.

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

Nominations are due by March 16 and may be e-mailed 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 your reasons for nominating this person, organization or business.

The awards ceremony and dinner will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at the Stuart Steiner Theatre and The Forum at GCC. Tickets for the event are $40 each or $350 for a table of 10. This includes the award ceremony, elegant grazing stations, a champagne toast, entertainment and entry to win a door prize.

For tickets or more information, call (585) 343-5808.

Basom student performs in musical 'Xanadu' at The University of Findlay

By Billie Owens

Elizabeth Johnson-Walsh, of Basom, recently performed the role of LaVerne and served as a costume assistant for The University of Findlay's musical production of "Xanadu." Micheal F. Anders, Ph.D., was musical director for the production.

The original Universal Pictures screenplay was written by Richard Danus and Marc Rubel.

The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university with a hands-on approach to learning located in Findlay, Ohio, approximately 45 miles south of Toledo. For more information, visit www.findlay.edu.

Crash on East Main Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported in front of Miss Batavia Diner, 566 E. Main St. It's in the turning lane. City fire and Mercy medics responding.

Rochester Gay Men's Chorus to perform at GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Using the power of music and harmony of voices, the Rochester Gay Men's Chorus (RGMC) strives to spread inclusion through diversity. On Friday, March 20, hear their harmonies in person at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre. They will perform one show only at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the GCC box office at (585) 345-6418 or via e-mail boxoffice@genesee.edu.

RGMC began in 1982 when five friends pursued their dream of using music to create an acceptance of social diversity and using the harmony of voice to create a harmony of spirit. Now more than 40 members strong, the Chorus is as vibrant as ever and remains committed to its mission of creating social change through excellence in the choral arts by nurturing pride in and acceptance of the diversity of our communities.

The show at GCC will feature selections from RGMC's spring concert FantABBAtastic. As the name implies, the chorus will sing a number of ever popular songs first introduced by the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA. These include "Dancing Queen," "The Winner Takes it All," "Waterloo," "Mamma Mia," and others.

"Their music had wonderful complexities, from the driving bass lines, to the beautiful vocals, to the harmonies and structures which seemed so simple but sometimes were not, to the lyrics which often mirrored what we were thinking and feeling," said Robert Strauss, Ph.D., RGMC artistic director. "For these reasons, and so many more, we knew we had to bring you a concert dedicated to this music."

Tickets to the RGMC show are $8 for adults, $5 for GCC faculty/staff and senior citizens, $3 for GCC students. Alumni with ID receive $2 off the full ticket price.

The RGMC show at GCC is sponsored by the College's Fine Arts Committee and GCC's Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).

Local volunteers will read at schools during Ag Literacy Week March 16-20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In celebration of National Agricultural Literacy Week, March 16-20, volunteers throughout the state will read a book with an agricultural theme to second-graders. In Genesee County more than 40 volunteers will be visiting and reading at schools throughout the county.

Students and teachers benefit from hands-on lessons and receive follow up activities. The book will be given to the school library with a bookplate recognizing the donor and NY Ag Literacy Week.

This year’s book is "Weaving the Rainbow," written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Stephanie Anderson. It is a beautifully blended story of agriculture and art. A young woman raises sheep, shears them for their wool, cleans and cards the wool, spins and dyes the wool, ultimately using it to create beautiful works of woven art from the fiber. The story will help students begin to make the connection between agriculture and its many uses and influences.

The focus this year is on fiber production in New York State from sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, rabbits and more. Agriculture is more than the food we eat, it is also the clothes on our backs, the materials that keep us warm and dry, and are used each and every day of our lives.

Last year, 1,400 books were donated statewide while thousands of students participated in fun educational activities. For more information about NY Ag Literacy Week or Agriculture in the Classroom please contact Barbara Sturm, at 585-343-3040, ext. 122, or at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/ag-in-the-classroom

Tickets on sale for HomeCare & Hospice 'Spread the Comfort' Quilt Raffle

By Billie Owens

The HomeCare & Hospice Guild is selling raffle tickets for handmade quilts, Afghans and blankets in its effort to “Spread the Comfort.”
 
The fundraiser will help provide medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with end-of-life illnesses.
 
Tickets are $5 each, five for $20, and 12 for $50. Tickets may be purchased online at www.HomeCare-Hospice.org <http://www.HomeCare-Hospice.org>  or at HomeCare & Hospice offices in Batavia (29 Liberty St.) and Warsaw (450 N. Main St.)

The drawing will be held on May 1.
 
For more information, contact Kathleen Neeson at 1-800-719-7129 or kneeson@homecare.hospice.org

Le Roy man promoted in New York Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Douglas McClurg, from Le Roy, serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry is promoted to the rank of Private First Class.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

Fire department: 'Change time on Sunday along with smoke and CO detector batteries'

By Billie Owens

Press release from City of Batavia Fire Department:

Remember that as you change your clocks ahead on Sunday, March 8, it’s the perfect time to change the batteries in home smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors, as well.

Even “hard-wired” smoke detectors that are plugged in to the home’s electrical supply typically have a nine-volt backup battery to keep the detectors operating in case of a power outage. Often they will “chirp” when the batteries are dying – that means to change the batteries don’t disconnect or disable the devices!

While changing the batteries in your smoke detectors, make sure to test the audible alarm by pushing the button; check that the vents are clean and not clogged with dust; and check the manufacture date. Typically, detectors should be replaced every 10 years.

At least one smoke alarm should be placed on every level of the home. The most important location is near the bedrooms to provide an early warning to all sleeping occupants. A smoke alarm should also be placed inside every bedroom. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly install a smoke alarm.

Smoke detectors, plain and simply, save lives. Every year in the United States, about 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. Most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not as a result of burns. Most deaths and injuries occur in fires that happen at night while the victims are asleep. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms in the home are considered one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire.

In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend the City of Batavia Fire Department recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones and your home:

  • Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when you change the batteries;
  • Test alarms once a month using the test button;
  • Replace the entire alarm if it’s more than 10 years old or doesn’t work properly when tested;
  • Make sure everyone in your home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so that you and your loved ones can get out of your home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you.

The City of Batavia Fire Department has a free smoke alarm and battery installation program. For information about the free smoke alarm and battery installation program, City of Batavia residents should contact the City of Batavia Fire Department at (585) 345-6375.

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