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HomeCare & Hospice offers Tree of Life ornaments - deadline to order is Nov. 15

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Area residents are invited to honor their loved ones at the holidays during HomeCare & Hospice’s 18th annual Tree of Life ceremonies.

The Tree of Life provides an opportunity for persons who have experienced loss to memorialize a family member or friend during the holiday season. HomeCare & Hospice annually offers an ornament as an option for remembrance.

This year’s ornament is a pewter heart with glitter and can be engraved to bear the name of a loved one. The ornament is available for a suggested donation of $15, with engraving, shipping and handling included. Additional options include giving an ornament as a gift or purchasing a memory tag bearing a name for $5.

Orders must be received by Nov. 15 to ensure availability for the Tree of Life ceremony. Trees will be displayed throughout the holiday season. Ornaments hung on the Tree of Life can be taken home after the ceremony or they will be mailed in January.

The Tree of Life ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at GO ART! & Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, 201 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. The tree lighting is open to the public.

Also available are a limited number of Classic Tree of Life ornaments from years past. These ornaments can be purchased and engraved at the special price of $10. While the Classic Ornaments will not be hung on the Tree of Life, they can be picked up or mailed with 2013 ornaments. These ornaments include the 2011 Silvertone Wreath, 2009 Goldtone Photo Frame Tree, 2008 Silvertone Snowflake, 2006 Goldtone Wreath.

For more information or an order form, contact Rosemary Conroy at HomeCare & Hospice, 1-800-719-7129, or order online at www.homecare-hospice.org

HomeCare & Hospice, a non-profit United Way member agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with terminal illness in Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming and Genesee counties. The institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

HomeCare & Hospice moved local office to Liberty Street in Batavia

By Billie Owens

HomeCare & Hospice is open for business at its new Batavia location, 29 Liberty St., Suite 6.

The move from the former office at 550 East Main St. was made by HomeCare & Hospice to better meet the needs of its operation and improve access for employees and the general public.

 The 29 Liberty St. location also allows for a greater number of students to participate in the agency’s state approved Home Health Aide training program.

The current office telephone and fax numbers remain the same: 877-277-2615 or 585-343-7596; fax number 585-343-7629.

The 550 E.  Main St. location is offered for sale through a local real estate agent.

For additional information, please contact Kelly Dickerson, Communications, Information and Marketing Director at 716-372-2106.

HomeCare & Hospice is a United Way member agency and an equal opportunity employer.

The Salvation Army presents 95th birthday message from Billy Graham, plus light dinner

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army will be presenting Billy Graham’s 95th birthday message “My Hope America,” on Thursday Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.  The location is the headquarters / chapel building on East Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

“There will be a light dinner served at 6 p.m. and then we will watch Graham’s 30-minute message,” Major Robert Kurtz said.

This event is free of charge and ALL ARE WELCOME.

For further information call the office at 343-6284 or Major Bob’s cell phone 585-861-0676.

Salvation Army presents video of 95th birthday message from Billy Graham, light dinner served

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army will be presenting Billy Graham’s 95th birthday message “My Hope America,” on Thursday Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.  The location is the headquarters / chapel building on East Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

“There will be a light dinner served at 6 p.m. and then we will watch Graham’s 30-minute message,” Major Robert Kurtz said.

This event is free of charge and ALL ARE WELCOME.

For further information call the office at 343-6284 or Major Bob’s cell phone 585-861-0676.

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GC Libertarians offering free rides to polls for Tuesday's City Council election

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Ride the “Liberty Taxi”!

The Genesee County Libertarian Party wants everyone to have a chance to vote in Tuesday’s City Council election, and they don’t want a lack of transportation to prevent that from happening! The GCLP will be providing rides at no cost to voters of all political affiliations within the city from 8 a.m. until polls close at 9 p.m.

“It doesn’t matter who you are voting for," said Phil Ricci, chair, Genesee County Libertarian Party. "This is not about just getting more Libertarian votes. This is about making sure that every person has the ability to exercise their choice. Too many have given their lives so you can have that -- lack of a car should not take that away!”

If you need a ride to your polling station within the City of Batavia on Tuesday, Nov. 5, please call Debbie Rosenbeck at 585-356-8623.

“This is the first year of our party, but we hope to expand this service even more into the future! We look forward to helping our neighbors!” Ricci said.

The Genesee Libertarian Party encourages everyone to get out and vote! Freedom is the culmination of Education and Choice, exercise your voice on Tuesday!

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Phil Ricci at (Company Phone) or e-mail at gclp.ny@gmail.com.

GC Libertarians offering free rides to polls for Tuesday's City Council election

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Ride the “Liberty Taxi”!

The Genesee County Libertarian Party wants everyone to have a chance to vote in Tuesday’s City Council election, and they don’t want a lack of transportation to prevent that from happening! The GCLP will be providing rides at no cost to voters of all political affiliations within the city from 8 a.m. until polls close at 9 p.m.

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NEW TODAY! -- Sammy Hill's, plus T.F. Brown's, Casa Del Taco, Santino's Pizza, and more!

By Billie Owens

NEW TODAY! Sammy Hill's, 7 Mill St., Le Roy, NY: This new restaurant has good, fresh food, including hand-pressed burgers, and a friendly atmosphere. Choose a house specialty burger or make your own with a variety of toppings, cheeses and sauces to select from. The menu also includes flatbread sliders, garbage plates, shredded beef or marinated chicken tacos, sandwiches like the Cuban, bruschetta chicken, or deep-fried pork loin. Friday fish fry -- battered, broiled or blackened. Dine in or take out. "Come Get Some!" Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Monday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Casa Del Taco, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Mexican food lovers will delight in this new eatery that makes tacos and burritos "the way you want 'em" plus it offers other items like taco salads, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, churros, and chili. Choose from a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, black beans, cilantro and guacamole. There are also several varieties of salsa to select from, such as corn, mango, verde, and sweet Thai ranch. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for $20 off ONE hour-long private yoga session. This is a $60 retail value. We have a gift certificate for $20 off.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Cafe, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. A retail and special-order bakery and cafe located in Downtown Batavia inside Seymour Place. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, Sweet Ecstasy Bakery offers fresh artisan bread like baguettes, sourdough and rye starting at noon. The custom cakes are out of this world with 3D characters or gorgeous wedding cakes to suit any budget. For all your sweet treats, we have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

Daphne's Restaurant, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

SOLD OUT

Five Star Bank donates $5,000 to Genesee County Habitat for Humanity

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Five Star Bank has announced a $5,000 donation to Genesee County Habitat for Humanity for the construction of a family home in the area.

"We are committed to the well being of the communities we serve,” said Marty Griffith, regional president of Five Star Bank. “Genesee County Habitat for Humanity serves its community with diligence and sincerity, and Five Star Bank fully supports their mission. We want to help foster strong, safe communities, and they are the ideal partner for this vision."

Five Star Bank has also announced $5,000 gifts to the counties of Livingston, Chemung, Orleans, and Ontario, as well as Genesee Valley Habitat for Humanity organizations in support of the bank’s commitment to the communities it serves. The bank also served as the 2013 presenting sponsor of the Habitat for Humanity Leaders Build Luncheon, and the co-sponsor of the Leaders House.

Possible chimney fire on Martin Road on the reservation

By Billie Owens

A possible chimney fire is reported at 368 Martin Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. The house is filled with smoke Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from East Pembroke and Indian Falls. Akron is put on standby. The location is between Bloomingdale Avenue and Erie County's Scotland Road.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports the fire is contained to the fireplace, and they will need equipment to tear into it in an effort to keep it contained.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.: Akron is told they can stand down.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: East Pembroke and Indian Falls are on scene along with Alabama.

UPDATE 11:14 a.m.: Indian Falls is back in service.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: The fire is out. Alabama command and other responders are back in service.

Two-car crash at Route 63 and Batavia Oakfield TL Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 63 and Batavia Oakfield Townline Road. It is blocking traffic. Mercy medics, law enforcement and Town of Batavia Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: There are three or four injuries; one of the patients is a child. A second Mercy rig is requested.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: A third ambulance is requested. There is a total of four patients.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m.: The roadway is no longer blocked.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: Two of the ambulances are taking patients to Erie County Medical Center; no word yet on the destination of the remaining rig.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: The last rig is also going to ECMC. The assignment is back in service.

Car crash at Judge Road and Route 77, no injuries but it's blocking traffic

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Judge Road and Route 77 in Alabama. There are said to be no injuries but it is blocking traffic. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: A Sheriff's deputy on scene reports there are three vehicles involved.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: There is a minor injury -- a hand laceration.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: Mercy medics are called to respond in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: Alabama command cancels the medical response.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: One of the Alabama units called is standing down, another is on scene.

10th Annual Fur Ball tonight! Tickets available! Benefits the Spay/Neuter Program!

By Billie Owens

The 10th Annual Fur Ball is tonight, Nov. 2, at the Days Inn in Batavia. The fun begins at 6 p.m. There will be food, auctions and surprises, too!

This event benefits the Volunteers for Animals' Spay/Neuter Program.

Tickets are $25.

For more information call 813-3839 or e-mailVol4animals@yahoo.com

See you there!

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Person may be in water above the falls near Log Cabin Restaurant

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports a person "may be in the water" above the falls near the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, located at 7948 Alleghany Road. Mercy medics and Pembroke and Indian Falls fire are responding. A woman in the parking lot says she thinks she saw a person in the water and that the person has been there at least an hour. Mercy Flight is put on standby. The fire crews are going to put up a light tower.

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: "What I think we've got here is a pumpkin at the top of the falls," says a responder. "We need a pair of binoculors to see it. But I think it's a pumpkin from what I can tell."

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: All responding units are told to proceed in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:38 p.m.: "We're going to put up the light tower, but I think it's a pumpkin," says Pembroke command.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Emergency responders are going to talk to people at the restaurant in an attempt to get more information about the incident.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: "It's been confirmed it's a pumpkin, you can disregard," the dispatcher tells an officer. "Disregarding the pumpkin," is the reply.

UPDATE: A picture of the pumpkin sent in by a reader:

Tot found wandering along Main Street allegedly without supervision

By Billie Owens

A resident of Hutchins Street reports finding a 3-year-old child wandering on Main Street in the city and could find no parent or guardian. So the person brought the child home and called police, who are on scene.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Police are continuing to try and locate a family member of the child, but at this point they have no idea who that is. The on-call DSS case worker is being contacted "because we might need some assistance with child care," says an officer.

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: It's been determined that the child lives on South Swan Street.

Car's gas tank falls off in Le Roy, but had been leaking along the route from Batavia

By Billie Owens

The gas tank on a passenger vehicle is reported to have fallen off in the area of Bank and North streets in Le Roy. Police responded and determined that the gas tank had been leaking "over a wide area" -- on the trip from Batavia to Le Roy. An officer is speaking with a rep from the Department of Environmental Conservation to determine what, if anything, should be done in terms of cleaning up the spill.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service. The DEC determined nothing needed to be done.

Grand Jury indicts man for first-degree rape of girl less than 11 in City of Batavia

By Billie Owens

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Terrel A. Goodson, an adult male, is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 2, Goodson committed first-degree rape in the City of Batavia by engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl less than 11 years old. In count two, he is accused of the same crime by engaging in oral sexual conduct with a girl less than 11 years old. In count three, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class violent felony, for allegedly subjecting a minor under the age of 11 to sexual contact.

Timmy L. Taylor is indicted on five counts of first-degree criminal contempt, Class E felonies, for allegedly violating a court order of protection in October in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Taylor intentionally placed, or attempted to place, a protected person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by repeatedly following the person or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts over a period of time. He allegedly violated the court order of protection in the City of Batavia on Oct. 6 and Oct. 20 with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a protected person or otherwise subject that person to physical contact or threatened to do so. He's accused of striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting the protected party to physical contact or threatening to do so. He's is accused of intentionally placing, or attempting to place, the protected party in reasonable fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury. In counts six and seven, he is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intending to cause physical injury to another person, causing injury to such person or to a third person on Oct. 6 and 20th, respectively. In counts eight and nine, he is accused of second-degree strangulation, a Class D violent felony, for intending to impede normal breathing or circulation of blood to another person, applying pressure on the throat or neck of the person, thereby causing stupor, loss of consciousness for any period of time, or any other physical injury or impairment, on Oct. 6 and 20th, respectively. In count 10, he's accused of first-degree coercion, a Class D felony, for compelling or inducing a person to engage in conduct which the person had a legal right to abstain from engaging in or, conversely, the person had the right to engage in legally. This allegedly was done on Oct. 20 by instilling fear of physical injury. In count 11, Taylor is accused of second-degree unlawful imprisonment, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly restraining another person on Oct. 20.

Leon C. Bloom Jr. is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B felony, for entering or remaining unlawfully inside a dwelling on Fordham Drive in the City of Batavia late on Sept. 22 or early on Sept. 23 with the intent of committing a crime. In so doing or in fleeing the scene, it is alleged he physically injured a person who was not a participant in the alleged crime. In count two, he's accused of strangulation in the second degree, in the same incident, for allegedly intending to impede normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person, applying pressure to the person's throat or neck thereby causing stupor or loss of consciousness for any period of time or any other physical injury or impairment. In count three, Bloom is accused of third-degree assualt, a Class A misdemeanor, for intending to cause physical injury to another person or causing such injury to the person or a third person.

Matthew J. Vandorn is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly entering and remaining unlawfully in a barn on Dillon Road in the Town of Pavilion on July 4th or 5th. In count two, he is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. He allegedly stole property valued at more than $1,000 in the Town of Stafford on July 1st or 2nd, specifically two Yamaha motorcycles, made in 1994 and 2005, respectively. In count three, he is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between July 1 and July 18 in the Town of Stafford he knowingly possessed stolen property with the intent to benefit himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property by the owner. The property's value was more than $1,000 -- the two motorcycles noted in count two of the indictment. In count four of the indictment, Vandorn is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for allegedly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road in the Town of Oakfield on June 29 and June 30 with the intent to commit a crime. In count five, Vandorn is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intent of benefitting himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property by the owner and the value of it exceeded $3,000. The property was a Honda TRX four-wheeler and a Yamaha 350 Raptor four-wheeler. In count six, he is accused of grand larceny, 3rd, a Class D felony for allegedly stealing property on June 29 and June 30 valued at more than $3,000, the aforementioned four-wheelers.

Samantha A. Lora is accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, for driving a 2013 Chevrolet on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke on May 1 while impaired by alcohol. In count two, she accused of the same crime while she had a passenger age 15 or less, which is a Class E felony. In count three, Lora is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for operating a motor vehicle while knowing or having reason to know, that her license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn in the state of New York, and while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Jeremy M. Denton is accused of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 10 in the Town of Bergen he drove a 2004 GMC pickup truck on Route 19 while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, he is also accused of having a BAC of .08 at the time.

Edward Jones and Quaker-Muller working with The Salvation Army for annual food drive

By Billie Owens

Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office for financial services during regular business hours until Monday, Dec. 9th. The branch address is 7 Jackson St., Batavia.

Quaker-Muller Dairy, which has a new production facility here, is also participating. It is located in the new Agri-Business Park on Ag PArk Drive in the Town of Batavia.

This food drive is for local families aided by The Salvation Army.

The items needed for the food drive include: canned fruits and vegetables, beans, instant potatoes, soups, canned meats, spaghetti sauce, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta and rice.

The branch address is 7 Jackson St., Batavia.

YWCA to fete Fabulous Females on Nov. 16 at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County Congratulates the recipients of this year's Fabulous Females Awards! They are:

  • The Seedling Award -- Alexis Hackmer, a freshman at Alexander Central School;
  • The Petal Award -- Shandi Seefeldt, a student at Roberts Wesleyan College and children's ministry coordinator and children's pastor at City Church;
  • The 2013 Fabulous Females Blossom Award -- Dr. Mary O'Bear, who has local medical practices, is medical director at Crossroads House and the NYS Veterans Home and is associate medical director for Batavia's Homecare & Hospice program in Genesee County.

Please join us in a toast to these superior females during this year's Fabulous Females Awards Luncheon!

It's at noon Saturday, Nov. 16 at Genesee Community College. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at YWCA or Bank of Castile.

***Sponsorship opportunities are still available! They range from Bronze at $350 to Platinum for $2,500. All levels include at least one reserved table for 10 guests plus print and special recognition advertising privileges. For more information, please call (585) 343-5808.

State's annual forum for minority- and women-owned businesses hears Alexander success story

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Albany -- Sheila Hess, owner of the Alexander-based environmental resource firm Conservation Connects, addressed more 1,800 minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) owners on the first day of the state's annual forum.

It was held earlier this month at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Hess was one of four MWBE owners selected to participate in the discussion and to share her thoughts on the “secrets to successful business growth in public sector procurement.” She was also presented with a “Success Story” Certificate of Recognition.

This was another well-attended event for MWBE firms and contractors. Governor Cuomo touted that more than 20-percent utilization of MWBEs in state contracting was achieved for the first time in program history.  According to the Governor’s press release, more than $1.4 billion in contracts from 97 public agencies and authorities were awarded to MWBE firms in the FY 2012-2013.

“I attended last year’s MWBE forum to network with other successful business owners and to gain insight on new market opportunities,” Hess said. “I was pleased to be nominated and recognized as an MWBE success story and I hope that my experience will inspire other business owners to make the most of MWBE resources and map their own personal success stories.”

Hess, whose consulting practice is considered a leading MWBE company, spoke about growing her public-sector portfolio and firm in a challenging business climate. Two years after opening the doors of Conservation Connects, Hess was encouraged by the Development Authority of the North Country, a public authority, to pursue MWBE status. Her public sector business has been growing ever since.

In the last two years, her business has grown by more than 65 percent and she continues to embrace the growth. Hess plans to expand her business and offer consulting services to other New York State agencies and public authorities to promote environmental conservation, sustainability, and compliance in the development of infrastructure projects.

Conservation Connects is engaged in many projects here in Western New York and beyond including habitat assessment in the Niagara River Watershed; development of the Green Genesee Road Map (sustainability planning); environmental review and permitting at the Buffalo East Technology Park and the WNY STAMP (Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park, both in Genesee County; streambank remediation in Livingston County; environmental review and natural resources planning in Jefferson County; and Great Lakes coastal marsh mitigation in Monroe County, Mich.

The World Wide Christmas Fair at Presbyterian Church, Batavia, benefits non-profits

By Billie Owens

Christmas doesn't start with Thanksgiving, it begins with The World Wide Christmas Fair held each year in Batavia. Save the date: Saturday, Nov. 9th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Many non-profit organizations will participate and you will be able to purchase gifts from around the world, and benefit the organization as well. It is a great way to start your Christmas shopping.

Shop with purpose!

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